Bill: SB 1151, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
Senate Higher Education
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Author(s)
Dawn Buckingham
Bill Caption
Relating to the protection of expressive activities at public institutions of higher education.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
SB 1151 would add explicit provisions to code protecting the free speech rights of students and employees on public university campuses. In particular, this bill would require that institutions of higher education adopt a policy prohibiting the reducing or increasing of student grades on the basis of free expression and create a grievance procedure for rights infringements. This bill would require that students and employees be informed about the policy and require that the policy be published on the institution's website. Finally, SB 1151 would prohibit an institution or employee from punishing a student or employee in any manner for engaging in expressive activities protected by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill supports the principle of individual liberty by protecting the First Amendment rights of postsecondary education students and employees. For this reason, we support SB 1151.
Organizations Supporting
Texas Public Policy Foundation
