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MS HB302

Bill

Status

Failed

1/31/2023

Primary Sponsor

Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2023 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes the "Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act" to protect freedom of speech 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 the organization's expression or requiring members to affirm beliefs, comply with conduct standards, or further the organization's mission.

  • Designates outdoor campus areas as public forums where expressive activities are permitted, prohibits designated "free speech zones," and allows only reasonable, content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions with alternative means of expression.

  • Requires state institutions to publish policies on free expression in handbooks and websites, develop training materials for staff responsible for student discipline, and submit annual reports to the Governor and Legislature detailing barriers to free expression and disciplinary actions taken.

  • Establishes a private right of action for violations, allowing aggrieved persons or student organizations to seek injunctive relief, monetary damages of at least $5,000, and attorneys' fees; imposes a one-year statute of limitations for lawsuits.

Legislative Description

"Forming Open and Robust University Minds (FORUM) Act"; establish.

Last Action

Died In Committee

1/31/2023

Committee Referrals

Constitution1/9/2023

Full Bill Text

No bill text available