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KS HB2472
Bill
Status
1/20/2026
Primary Sponsor
Higher Education Budget
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AI Summary
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Designates all outdoor areas of Kansas public universities, community colleges, and technical colleges as public forums and prohibits institutions from restricting expression to designated "free speech zones"
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Prohibits institutions from requiring permits based on speaker affiliation, imposing advance notice for spontaneous assemblies, or denying benefits to student organizations based on their mission, beliefs, or membership standards
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Extends protections to online speech on social media, email, and websites, prohibiting institutions from disciplining students or organizations for constitutionally protected digital expression
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Requires institutions to submit annual reports to the legislature and governor by January 11, 2027, and each session thereafter, detailing speech restrictions enforced, disruption incidents, legal actions, and monetary damages paid
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Allows aggrieved persons to sue in district court, with courts authorized to impose up to $5,000 per violation and award attorney fees for bad-faith violations; claims must be filed within one year, with the limitations period renewing daily while unconstitutional policies remain in effect
Legislative Description
Enacting the forming open and robust university minds or FORUM Act, prohibiting postsecondary educational institutions from certain actions concerning freedom of speech, expression and association, providing exceptions thereto, providing for monetary damages, and requiring the submission of a report to the legislature and the governor.
Last Action
House Referred to Committee on Higher Education Budget
1/20/2026