H.B. 363 - Campus Free Speech Act

• Makes student activity fees voluntary rather than mandatory; institutions must itemize fees and notify students that payment is optional, and distribute collected fees to student groups in a viewpoint-neutral manner using clear, objective standards.

• Prohibits state institutions of higher education from restricting free expression in generally accessible campus areas and requires content-neutral policies for expression; institutions cannot limit or chill expression based on offense taken to content.

• Prevents institutions from revoking invitations to speakers or imposing unreasonably high security fees based on reaction or opposition to a speaker's content.

• Requires each institution to develop a free speech policy within 90 days and publish it in student handbooks and orientation materials; institutions must report to the governor and legislature within 180 days on barriers to free expression and compliance efforts.

• Waives state sovereign immunity from federal court suits and allows campus community members to bring civil actions seeking injunctive relief, compensatory damages, attorney's fees, and court costs for violations of the act's provisions.