Bill > SB1172

This bill establishes the "Cronkite New Voices Act" to protect the freedom of press for student journalists in both high schools and public institutions of higher education in Missouri. The act defines school-sponsored media as material prepared by student journalists and distributed to the student body, and provides significant protections for student journalists' right to free expression. Under the bill, student journalists can write about political or controversial topics without fear of suppression, and school districts and institutions cannot impose prior restraint on student media except in specific circumstances, such as content that is libelous, invasive of privacy, illegal, threatening, or likely to substantially disrupt school operations. The legislation ensures that student-media advisors cannot be disciplined for protecting student journalists' rights and that the school or institution is not liable for student publications unless they actively participated in or knowingly failed to prevent problematic content. The bill requires each school district to adopt a written policy on student press freedom and allows for reasonable restrictions on language that might be considered vulgar, obscene, or harassing. Ultimately, the act aims to provide student journalists with meaningful protections for their First Amendment rights while maintaining appropriate safeguards for educational institutions.

Education

https://www.senate.mo.gov/26info/BTS_Web/Bill.aspx?SessionType=R&BillID=645