Senate Bill 1959 aims to establish a "Charlie Kirk Memorial Courtyard for Civil Debate" at each public institution of higher education in Tennessee. The bill mandates that the board of regents, state university boards, and the University of Tennessee system's board of trustees designate and maintain a courtyard on each campus to promote civil discourse and respectful exchange of differing ideas. The courtyard must meet specific size requirements, display key historical documents such as the Tennessee Declaration of Rights, the Ten Commandments, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence, and be open to the public by December 31, 2026.

Additionally, the bill allows the governing boards to accept gifts, donations, and grants to support the design, installation, and maintenance of the courtyards. The act includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the bill is found invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The bill is set to take effect upon becoming law, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of civil debate in educational settings.