This bill aims to enhance intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity within Florida's higher education institutions by amending existing statutes. It removes the definitions of "shield" and "intellectual freedom and viewpoint diversity" from sections 1001.03 and 1001.706 of the Florida Statutes. The bill mandates that the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors of the State University System ensure that Florida College System institutions and state universities are free from undue political influence and interference in academic affairs, including curriculum design and faculty appointments.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 1004.022, which grants students and faculty specific rights related to academic freedom. Students are given the right to pursue education without governmental or institutional interference, while faculty members are entitled to full academic freedom in their teaching and research activities. The bill also amends section 1004.421 to ensure that the Florida State University Election Law Center's operations are subject to academic freedom protections. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
S 1478 Filed: 1004.421