The bill aims to establish the "Forming Open and Robust University Minds" (FORUM) initiative on university campuses in West Virginia, focusing on enhancing free expression and prohibiting content-based security fees. It amends existing laws by removing the previous title "Free Expression on Campus" and introducing new provisions that ensure no state institution of higher education can charge security fees based on the content of expression or anticipated reactions to it. Additionally, the bill clarifies that institutions may implement reasonable, content-neutral time, place, and manner restrictions to maintain safety and order on campus.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that each state institution publicly posts its policies regarding protected expressive activities on its website and includes this information in student orientation materials. It also requires the development and distribution of educational resources for staff responsible for student discipline and education, ensuring they are informed about free expression policies. Institutions must report any incidents that disrupt free expression to the Higher Education Policy Commission or the Council for Community and Technical College Education, which will then relay this information to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability annually.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18B-20-4, 18B-20-7