summary
Introduced
01/09/2026
01/09/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
An act relating to political activity at public institutions of higher education; creating s. 106.041, F.S.; defining the term “public institution of higher education”; requiring such institutions to promote specified discussion and debates; requiring such institutions to take specified actions relating to candidates for public office; requiring certain persons or entities to obtain prior approval from such institutions before conducting specified political activities on campus; prohibiting candidates for office from taking specified actions; authorizing such institutions to determine specified criteria for political discussions and debates; requiring certain nonpartisan organizations to provide certain information to such institutions; creating s. 1004.0972, F.S.; defining the term “public institution of higher education”; requiring such institutions to establish policies for political activities on the campuses of such institutions; specifying requirements for such policies; specifying requirements for political student organizations at such institutions; providing prohibitions on the use of certain institutional resources by employees; providing applicability and construction; requiring the State Board of Education and the Board of Governors of the State University System to monitor compliance with specified provisions and authorizing such boards to adopt rules and regulations, respectively; providing reporting requirements for such institutions to the Department of State, the State Board of Education, the Board of Governors, and certain county supervisors of elections; providing an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill establishes new regulations for political activity at public institutions of higher education in Florida, aiming to promote discussion and debate while ensuring equitable access for candidates and political groups. It requires these institutions to make reasonable efforts to foster thoughtful discussions on political issues during election cycles and to provide equal access to all qualified candidates for events. The bill mandates that candidates, elected officials, political committees, political parties, lobbyists, and campaign staff must obtain prior approval before conducting political activities on campus. It also prohibits candidates from holding partisan voter registration events or using institutional resources for campaign activities, and restricts the use of institutional email and property for political purposes by employees and political entities. Furthermore, the bill requires institutions to establish policies for political activities, including provisions for voter registration drives, and prohibits partisan campaigning by student organizations unless approved. Nonpartisan organizations must provide proof of their registration. The State Board of Education and the Board of Governors are tasked with monitoring compliance and adopting rules to implement these provisions, with institutions required to report their compliance after each election cycle. This act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced (on 01/22/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1736 |
| BillText | https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2026/1736/BillText/Filed/HTML |
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