MO HB2284

Repeals and replaces section 173.1550, RSMo, to establish comprehensive campus free expression protections at Missouri public institutions of higher education.

Designates outdoor areas of public university campuses as traditional public forums where students, faculty, and others may engage in peaceful assembly, protests, speeches, and distribution of literature without restriction to designated "free speech zones."

Requires public institutions to adopt free expression policies by January 1, 2019, affirming principles including: students' constitutional free speech rights, commitment to marketplace of ideas, protection against suppression of offensive or controversial speech, and prohibition on denying speaker platforms based on viewpoint.

Prohibits institutions from charging security fees based on speech content, denying student activity funding based on organizational viewpoints, or disinviting speakers because their anticipated speech may be considered offensive or controversial.

Establishes enforcement mechanisms allowing the attorney general and individuals to sue institutions for violations, with minimum damages of $500 for initial violations plus $50 per day violations continue, and permits one-year statute of limitations that resets daily while violations persist.