S.B. No. 2972 is a legislative act aimed at enhancing the protection of expressive activities at public institutions of higher education in Texas. The bill defines "expressive activities" to include various forms of speech and conduct protected by the First Amendment and the Texas Constitution, while explicitly excluding commercial speech, defamation, unlawful harassment, incitement to unlawful activity, obscenity, and threats. It amends existing provisions to clarify that both students and employees of higher education institutions have the right to assemble peacefully for expressive activities, and it mandates that institutions designate public forum areas on their campuses.

Additionally, the bill allows institutions to impose reasonable restrictions on the time, place, and manner of expressive activities, provided these restrictions are narrowly tailored and do not infringe on the rights of students and employees. It requires institutions to adopt policies that outline the rights and responsibilities related to expressive activities, including prohibitions on certain disruptive behaviors and the establishment of disciplinary measures for violations. The act is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 academic year, with provisions for immediate effect if passed by a two-thirds majority.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 51.9315 (Education Code 51)
Senate Committee Report: Education Code 51.9315 (Education Code 51)
Engrossed: Education Code 51.9315 (Education Code 51)
House Committee Report: Education Code 51.9315 (Education Code 51)
Enrolled: Education Code 51.9315 (Education Code 51)