Bill > HB4849

This bill, known as the "Student Free Press Act," establishes robust protections for free speech and press rights for students in public high schools, community colleges, and universities in Michigan. The bill defines key terms such as "school-sponsored media" as materials prepared by student journalists and distributed to the student body, and provides comprehensive protections for student expression. It declares school-sponsored media a "traditional public forum" and stipulates that any regulations on student expression must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling state interest and cannot discriminate against students based on their views. The bill protects student journalists' rights to publish and express ideas without prior restraint, regardless of financial support or production circumstances, while still allowing student media advisors to teach professional journalism standards. Additionally, the bill shields student media advisors from retaliation for protecting student journalists' rights and provides immunity to schools and their governing bodies for student-generated content. Students are granted fundamental rights to free speech on campus, including speaking, writing, distributing literature, wearing expressive attire, organizing peaceful demonstrations, and accessing school media. The bill also establishes a legal mechanism for students to seek injunctive and declaratory relief, with the potential for recovering attorney fees if they prevail in a lawsuit. The act will take effect 90 days after its enactment.

Education

https://legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4849