Loading chat...
MS HB1200
Bill
Status
6/9/2020
Primary Sponsor
Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Establishes the "Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act" to protect freedom of speech and expressive activity on campuses of Mississippi state institutions of higher learning.
-
Prohibits state institutions from denying religious, political, or ideological student organizations benefits, privileges, or recognition available to other student organizations based on their expression or requiring leaders to affirm the organization's beliefs or comply with its standards.
-
Designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where spontaneous assembly and literature distribution are permitted, and prohibits creation of restricted "free speech zones"; allows only content-neutral and viewpoint-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions.
-
Requires state institutions to publish policies on free expression in handbooks and websites, train staff on free speech protections, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing compliance measures and any incidents involving speech disruption or suppression.
-
Permits individuals and student organizations to sue for violations and recover injunctive relief, monetary damages of at least $5,000, reasonable attorneys' fees, and court costs; establishes a one-year statute of limitations for legal action with each day of continued violation counting as a new accrual date.
Legislative Description
"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.
Last Action
Died In Committee
6/9/2020