The proposed bill SB1307 requires the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) and community college district governing boards to implement enforceable free expression policies that protect the rights of students and faculty to engage in expressive activities without fear of penalties or retaliation. It introduces specific disciplinary measures for administrators or faculty who violate these rights and establishes procedural requirements for investigating such violations, including notifying the accused and allowing them to respond prior to any investigation. Additionally, individuals facing potential termination during disciplinary proceedings are granted the right to legal counsel.

The bill also mandates that ABOR and community colleges publish their free expression policies and ensure that all personnel are trained on these policies. It emphasizes that restrictions on expression can only apply to activities not protected by the U.S. Constitution. Compared to current law, which lacks these explicit protections and procedural safeguards, SB1307 broadens the scope of rights to include both students and employees, enhances the governance framework of postsecondary institutions, and reinforces due process rights in disciplinary matters.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-1626, 15-1866, 15-1625, 35-115, 15-701.01, 15-1682.03, 15-1696, 15-1747
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-1626, 15-1866, 15-1625, 35-115, 15-701.01, 15-1682.03, 15-1696, 15-1747