The bill establishes procedures to protect freedom of speech and association at public institutions of higher education. It defines terms such as "benefit," "campus community," "materially and substantially disrupts," "outdoor areas of campus," "public institution of higher education," "harassment," "student," and "student organization." The bill stipulates that outdoor areas of campuses are public forums and prohibits the creation of "free speech zones" where expressive activities are limited. It allows for reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expression, provided they are content- and viewpoint-neutral and allow for spontaneous assembly and distribution of literature. The bill also clarifies that it does not prevent institutions from prohibiting unlawful behavior or expression that is not protected by the Constitution.
Additionally, the bill ensures that student organizations are not discriminated against based on their expression and that they can maintain requirements for leaders and members that align with their beliefs and mission. It provides remedies for those aggrieved by violations of the chapter, including injunctive relief, monetary damages, and the ability to assert violations as a defense in disciplinary or civil proceedings. The bill sets a statute of limitations for bringing suit to one year from the day the cause of action accrues, with each day of continued violation constituting a new day for the cause of action. It waives state immunity for lawsuits arising from this chapter and maintains that public institutions that violate the chapter are not immune from suit or liability. The act is set to take effect on August 1, 2025.