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Committee advances campus free‑speech bill after heated debate over title and scope
Summary
HB 14,76, labeled the 'Charlie Kirk Act,' would require public colleges to adopt University of Chicago–style free‑speech policies, adopt a viewpoint‑neutral position on social/political action, and bar disinvitations based solely on viewpoint. Members debated the bill's title and the sponsor defended the bill as viewpoint neutral; bill moved to judiciary.
Representative Bolso introduced HB 14,76, an education bill for public colleges that would require institutions to adopt a campus free‑speech policy consistent with the University of Chicago model, adopt a neutrality posture on political and social action consistent with historical academic norms, and prohibit disinviting speakers exclusively for their viewpoint. The sponsor described the model as a "gold standard" adopted by many advocates of free expression and said it is intended to keep universities neutral while protecting open debate.
Debate became politically charged over the bill’s title and references to Charlie Kirk; members criticized aspects of Kirk’s record and the framing while the sponsor disavowed that the title affected the bill’s substance. The committee called the question and approved the bill to move to the judiciary committee (13 ayes, 4 nays). One member said the measure is "viewpoint neutral," while another urged the body to condemn violent rhetoric in public discourse during the exchange.
