Bill Summary

by Borrero

Freedom of Speech and Religious Expression in Public Schools: Prohibits school district from discriminating against students or school personnel on basis of political or ideological viewpoints or expression; prohibits penalty or reward for student's political or ideological expression in coursework, artwork, or other specified assignments; authorizes student to wear clothing, accessories, & jewelry displaying political or ideological messages or symbols; authorizes student to engage in political or ideological activities or expression; authorizes student to organize political or ideological groups, clubs, & other gatherings; requires that school district provide political or ideological groups with equal access to school facilities; authorizes political or ideological groups to advertise or announce meetings in same manner & to same extent as other groups; requires that DOE develop & publish model policy regarding limited public forum & political or ideological expression; creates private cause of action for persons & student organizations harmed by specified violations; provides for specified awards to such persons & organizations; authorizes such persons & organizations to use specified violations as defense or counterclaim; provides applicability; requires such actions to be brought within specified period of time; provides that state waives specified immunity; provides school district liability. Effective Date: July 1, 2026

Committee references not assigned.