IL HB3409

Creates the Campus Free Speech Act requiring all public universities and community colleges in Illinois to develop and adopt written policies protecting free expression on campus.

Mandates campus free speech policies must include statements affirming intellectual freedom, prohibiting shielding students from First Amendment-protected speech, permitting spontaneous assembly and protests, welcoming invited speakers, and treating public campus areas as traditional public forums.

Requires disciplinary procedures for expressive conduct violations including advance written notice, evidence review, witness confrontation, defense presentation, impartial decision-maker, and appeal rights; suspensions over 30 days or expulsion require right to counsel.

Establishes a Committee on Free Expression with 15 members (one from each state university, three from community colleges) to issue annual reports on barriers to free expression, disciplinary actions, institutional neutrality challenges, and recommendations.

Permits institutions to restrict only unprotected speech including illegal conduct, defamation, severe harassment, true threats, privacy violations, unlawful disruptions, and reasonable time/place/manner restrictions; allows Attorney General or affected persons to sue for violations and recover damages of $1,000 minimum plus court costs and attorney fees.