CA AB2081

Requires governing boards of higher education institutions (UC, CSU, community colleges, and private/independent institutions) to adopt a Campus Free Speech Act policy by January 1, 2019, containing 14 specified components protecting free expression and intellectual freedom.

Mandates institutions establish a Committee on Free Expression with 5-15 members that reports annually to the governing board, Legislature, and Governor on barriers to free expression, disciplinary actions, and institutional neutrality challenges.

Prohibits institutions from charging security fees based on speech content, revoking speaker invitations due to offensive viewpoints, creating speech-restricted "free speech zones," or protecting students from First Amendment-protected speech.

Allows institutions to restrict only unprotected speech including unlawful conduct, defamation, peer-on-peer harassment, quid pro quo sexual harassment, true threats, and actions that materially disrupt campus function.

Requires inclusion of free expression policies in freshman orientation programs and makes institutions with non-compliant policies ineligible for state funding except Cal Grants, with exceptions for religiously-controlled institutions.