House approves ban on unauthorized campus encampments amid split over free speech and enforcement

The Arizona House on March 3, 2025, approved House Bill 28-80 (recorded as House Bill 2,880 in the transcript) to prohibit unauthorized encampments on the campuses of universities and community colleges. The final House roll-call recorded 41 ayes, 17 nays and 2 not voting; the bill passed in open session and will be transmitted to the Senate.

Supporters, including Representative Wei and Representative Hernandez Alma, framed the bill as a necessary response to encampments that targeted Jewish students and other campus communities and that in some cases created unsafe, intimidating conditions. "We just wanna make sure that individuals are able to go to class without being harassed," Representative Hernandez said.

Opponents said the bill’s definition of "encampment" and language around "prolonged period of time" risked sweeping in benign acts of campus engagement such as tabling, voter registration drives, or sit-in tradition. Representative Collin said the language could catch "Turning Point" tables and pro-life groups, and argued it could be weaponized against lawful dissent.

Several members urged clarification in the Senate; others noted the sponsor had narrowed the bill’s scope in committee amendments. Representative Olsen said the bill’s intent is not to prohibit tabling or short-term demonstrations but acknowledged some language merits clarification.

The transcript records substantial floor debate about the line between protected protest and unauthorized occupation; the vote recorded 41 ayes and 17 nays. The bill passed and will proceed to the Senate for further action and potential amendment.