WA People
BILL · 2019–20 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5538

SB 5538: Higher education free speech

Concerning free speech at institutions of higher education.

Summary

  • Establishes an outdoor area of an institution of higher education's campus as a traditional public forum.
  • Requires restrictions on freedom of expression and use of public space at an institution of higher education must be reasonable, made clear, and provide for alternative means of expression.

From the Senate Bill Report (Orig.) (SB 5538), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
  1. IntroducedJan 23, 2019
  2. Out of committeestopped here
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
John Braun (R-20)
Introduced
January 23, 2019 in the Senate
Last action
January 13, 2020
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5538, SSB 5538

AN ACT Relating to free speech controls at institutions of higher education;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: John Braun (R-20)

2 co-sponsors (0 Democrats, 2 Republicans)

Phil Fortunato R-31Lynda Wilson R-17

Votes

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SSB 5538)
  2. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  3. Referred to Ways & Means. (SSB 5538)
  4. Referred to Ways & Means.
  5. HEWD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5538)
  6. And refer to Ways & Means. (SSB 5538)
  7. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 5538)
  8. Minority; without recommendation. (SSB 5538)
  9. Minority; without recommendation.
  10. Minority; do not pass.
  11. And refer to Ways & Means.
  12. HEWD - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  13. First reading, referred to Higher Education & Workforce Development.

SB 5538 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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