HB 3130 - DIGEST

Requires that, by December 31, 2004, within existing resources, each school district board of directors must adopt or amend as necessary a written policy making reasonable provisions for students to exercise freedom of speech and expression, and freedom of the press on school grounds. The policy shall describe the rights and responsibilities of students regarding: (1) The use of school bulletin boards;

(2) The distribution of printed material or petitions;

(3) Self-expression in official school publications, and other publications;

(4) The wearing of badges, buttons, and other insignia; and

(5) The use of other school facilities for self-expression.

Declares that the policy required under this act must include the following provisions: (1) Speech and expression shall be prohibited only if it: (a) Is obscene, libelous, or slanderous; (b) incites students and creates a clear and present danger of committing unlawful acts on school premises or violating school regulations; or (c) creates a substantial disruption to the orderly operation of the school;

(2) Student editors of official school publications are responsible for assigning and editing the news, features, and editorial content of their publications, subject to the limitations of this act; and

(3) Faculty advisers must supervise the student production staff of official school publications, maintain professional standards of journalism, and ensure that the provisions of the school policy are not violated.