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SC S0255

SC S0255
Campus Free Expression Act


summary

Introduced
01/10/2023
In Committee
01/10/2023
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/09/2024

Introduced Session

125th General Assembly

Bill Summary

A bill to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws so as to enact the "Campus Free Expression Act"; by adding Section 59-101-810 so as to define conduct that materially and substantially disrupts EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY; by adding Section 59-101-820 so as to protect free expression rights; by adding Section 59-101-830 so as to LIST free expression rights; by adding Section 59-101-840 so as to identify publicly-accessible outdoor areas of public higher education campuses as public forums; by adding Section 59-101-850, Section 59-101-860, Section 59-101-870, AND Section 59-101-880 SO AS TO GUARANTEE EXISTENT EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY PROTECTION; by adding Section 59-101-890 so as to permit public institutions of higher education to charge security fees for expressive activities based on neutral criteria; by adding Section 59-101-900, Section 59-101-910, and Section 59-101-920, so as to provide for CAUSES OF action following a violation of expressive rights.

AI Summary

This bill, the Campus Free Expression Act, aims to protect free speech rights on public college campuses in South Carolina. It defines "conduct that materially and substantially disrupts" expressive activity, and specifies that protected conduct includes lawful protests, counter-protests, and minor, brief disruptions. The bill designates publicly accessible outdoor areas of public colleges as traditional public forums, allowing for reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions. It prohibits colleges from creating "free speech zones" and guarantees the right to engage in noncommercial expressive activity, subject to the reasonable restrictions. The bill also allows colleges to charge security fees for expressive activities based on neutral criteria, and provides causes of action and damages for violations of the law.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Referred to Committee on Education (on 01/10/2023)

Bill Topics

Civil Rights, Minority Issues, and Civil Liberties
  • ‐ Freedom of Speech and Religion
Education
  • ‐ Higher Education

bill text


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