The bill amends and reenacts various sections of the Louisiana Revised Statutes to enhance protections for free speech and First Amendment rights on public postsecondary education campuses. It changes the heading of Part XIV from "Campus Free Expression" to "Speech and First Amendment Protected Expressive Activities on Campuses" and introduces new definitions and provisions regarding free speech, lawful assembly, and religious liberty. The bill explicitly prohibits discrimination based on political ideas, affiliations, or ideology and outlines the rights of students, faculty, and staff regarding expressive activities. It also establishes that public institutions cannot deny benefits to political or faith-based organizations based on their beliefs.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for due process, allowing students the right to have an attorney present during disciplinary hearings. It empowers the attorney general to seek injunctive relief for violations of the act and provides students with a cause of action for damages if harmed. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting individual dignity and ensuring that students are free from discrimination based on their political beliefs. Overall, the legislation aims to create a more supportive environment for free expression and association within Louisiana's public higher education institutions.

Statutes affected:
SB294 Original: 17:31(1), 17:32(A)
SB294 Engrossed: 17:31(1), 17:32(A)
SB294 Reengrossed: 17:31(1), 17:32(A)
SB294 Enrolled: 17:31(1), 17:32(A)
SB294 Act 584: 17:31(1), 17:32(A)