Do No Harm Act

# Do No Harm Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Do No Harm Act is designed to limit how federal civil rights laws can be interpreted and applied. Specifically, the bill would restrict the use of disparate impact theory in federal civil rights enforcement. Disparate impact allows regulators to challenge policies that aren't intentionally discriminatory but have a disproportionate negative effect on protected groups (such as racial minorities, women, or people with disabilities). Under this bill, federal agencies could only enforce civil rights laws when they can prove intentional discrimination occurred. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This legislation would impact businesses, schools, employers, housing providers, and federal agencies enforcing civil rights laws.

It would narrow enforcement across multiple areas including employment, housing, education, and lending. By requiring proof of intent rather than allowing agencies to challenge policies with disparate outcomes, the bill could make it harder for civil rights enforcement agencies to address patterns of discrimination, even unintentional ones. **Current Status** As of now, the bill remains in committee and has not advanced for a full House vote. The measure reflects ongoing debate about how strictly civil rights laws should be enforced and whether outcomes-based or intent-based standards better serve civil rights protection.