Committee approves measure to standardize campus political‑activity guidance; critics say it could chill engagement

Representative Gossett Seidman presented CS for HB 7‑25, saying the bill aligns Florida’s higher‑education policies with federal guidance and Florida Statute 1004.096. The sponsor said the measure would require institutions to inform employees and incoming students about the Campus Free Expression Act and political‑activity rules and would task the Board of Governors with compiling a clear, standardized method for notifying campuses about permissible activities.

Samantha Caddis of the Clio Institute testified in opposition, saying she feared the bill would create new barriers to student civic engagement and make voter‑registration and campus events harder to conduct. "Getting students to register to vote... is really hard," she said, and the bill ‘‘feels like it's really inhibiting campus civic engagement.’’ Aaron DiPietro of Florida Family Voice waved in support.

Sponsor and supporters said the policies already exist at institutions but are inconsistently communicated; the bill’s intent is to clarify and make guidance understandable for students, faculty and staff. Supporters argued the bill protects campus impartiality and ensures voter‑drives remain nonpartisan, while opponents said additional rules risk limiting campus organizing.

The committee approved the measure by roll call, 19 ayes and 1 nay (Representative Harris). The bill was reported favorably.

Next steps: HB 7‑25 will go to the House floor for further consideration; the Board of Governors will be responsible for preparing the standardized guidance the bill requires.