Bill > HB1271

This bill aims to protect free speech in Pennsylvania's higher education institutions by establishing comprehensive guidelines for campus expression. The legislation defines key terms like "protected expressive activity" and prohibits public colleges and universities from implementing bias reporting systems, punishing students for protected speech, or charging excessive security fees based on the content of expression. The bill mandates that institutions cannot investigate or discipline students for speech that is constitutionally protected, while still allowing restrictions on unprotected speech such as true threats, harassment, defamation, and violations of federal or state law. It provides robust remedies for students who believe their free speech rights have been violated, including the ability to file lawsuits seeking injunctions, damages of at least $5,000, and court costs. The bill covers a wide range of public higher education institutions, including state universities, community colleges, and state-related institutions, and seeks to ensure that campuses remain spaces where diverse ideas can be freely expressed without fear of institutional retaliation. Notably, the legislation allows institutions to impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activities, provided these restrictions are narrowly tailored to serve significant institutional interests.

Education

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1271