HB498 Summary

• Requires all Alabama public colleges and universities to adopt free speech policies by January 1, 2020 that protect First Amendment rights for students, faculty, and staff.

• Prohibits institutions from creating "free speech zones" and designates outdoor campus areas as forums for protected expressive activity including protests, speeches, petitions, and literature distribution.

• Bars institutions from denying student organizations benefits or privileges based on their expression or beliefs, and prohibits charging security fees based on speech content or anticipated opposition.

• Allows institutions to regulate only speech that is unlawful, defamatory, constitutes true threats, causes material disruption, or involves harassment as defined in the act.

• Authorizes the Attorney General and individuals whose expressive rights are violated to bring legal action to enforce the act; requires annual reporting to the Legislature on policy violations and disciplinary actions.