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FL S1860
Bill
AI Summary
- Grants student journalists in grades 6-12 and at public institutions of higher education the right to exercise freedom of the press in school-sponsored and institution-sponsored media, including control over news, opinion, feature, and advertising content decisions
- Prohibits school districts and public institutions of higher education from restricting publication or broadcast of student-prepared media, placing the burden of proof on the institution to justify any restriction before it is imposed, and requires a timely appeal process for students
- Protects student media advisors from dismissal, suspension, reassignment, transfer, or other retaliation for refusing to censor student journalists or for defending students' constitutionally protected expression
- Excludes from protection material that is libelous, slanderous, obscene, constitutes an unwarranted invasion of privacy, violates federal or state law, or creates a clear and present danger of substantial disruption based on specific facts rather than undifferentiated fear
- Authorizes student journalists and student media advisors to seek injunctive or declaratory relief and reasonable attorney fees in court for violations, and shields schools and institutions from civil or criminal liability for protected student expression, with an effective date of July 1, 2022
Legislative Description
Freedom of Speech and the Press in the Public Education System
Last Action
Died in Education
3/14/2022
Full Bill Text
No bill text available