SB156 Summary - FORUM Act

• Establishes the Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act to protect First Amendment free speech rights of students at state-supported institutions of higher education in Arkansas.

• Designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where students may engage in protected expressive activities including speech, protests, assembly, distributing literature, and carrying signs without prior approval or designated "free speech zones."

• Prohibits state universities from denying student organizations benefits, funding, or recognition based on the organization's expression or requiring leaders to affirm organizational beliefs, except where conduct materially and substantially disrupts campus operations.

• Requires state-supported institutions to publish free expression policies in handbooks and websites, develop staff training programs, and submit compliance reports to the Governor and Legislative Council within 90 days of the act's effective date.

• Allows aggrieved students or student organizations to bring civil actions for violations seeking injunctive relief, attorney's fees, and expenses, with a three-year statute of limitations.