The proposed bill, known as the "Student Free Press Act," aims to safeguard the freedom of expression for student journalists in public high schools and state institutions of higher education in Michigan. It establishes that school-sponsored media is to be treated as a traditional public forum for student journalists, allowing them to express their views without undue regulation from school officials, provided that any regulations are narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest. The bill also defines key terms such as "public high school," "student journalist," and "student media advisor," and clarifies that student journalists' rights to free expression apply regardless of the media's financial support or production context.

Additionally, the bill protects student media advisors from retaliation for supporting student journalists' rights and ensures that the expression of ideas by student journalists is not attributed to the educational institutions, thereby shielding these institutions and their officials from civil liability. Students are granted a fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression on school property, with specific provisions for organizing demonstrations and distributing literature. The bill allows students to seek legal remedies for violations of their rights, including the possibility of recovering attorney fees and costs if they prevail in court. The act is set to take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.