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MS HB1200

Bill

Status

Failed

6/9/2020

Primary Sponsor

Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2020 Regular Session

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

Committee Referrals

Constitution5/12/2020
Constitution2/17/2020

Full Bill Text

No bill text available