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 financial support or facilities used by the school.

Additionally, the bill protects student media advisors from retaliation for supporting student journalists' rights and ensures that any expression by student journalists is not attributed to the school or institution, thereby shielding them from civil or criminal liability. Students are granted a fundamental right to freedom of speech, which includes the ability to speak, write, publish, distribute literature, wear expressive attire, organize demonstrations, and access school media. The bill allows for civil actions to be brought by students or student organizations alleging violations, with provisions for reasonable attorney fees for prevailing plaintiffs. The act is set to take effect 90 days after being enacted into law.