Committee adopts substitute to clarify institutional neutrality and affirm academic freedom

Senator Johnson told the committee SB 295 strengthens institutional neutrality by clarifying that existing law regulates compelled institutional practices and does not bar invited speakers or classroom instruction. The substitute requires state institutions of higher education to designate public‑policy events that introduce students to competing perspectives and creates a biennial compliance review by the Board of Higher Education.

“This substitute makes that explicit in statute,” Johnson said, adding that the substitute removed recording mandates and revised event requirements after consultations with university officials. He said the bill preserves academic freedom, protects non‑curricular student clubs from ideology‑based exclusion, and provides cure periods before fiscal consequences for noncompliance.

Tianna Tonga, an ordinary citizen representing her family and the Pacific‑Islander community, supported the clarification, saying prior misinterpretation of HB 261 discouraged campus events and community participation. Representative Jack moved to adopt the second substitute and to favorably recommend SB 295; the committee adopted the substitute and recommended the bill unanimously.

What happens next: SB 295 will proceed to the full House with the committee’s favorable recommendation; the substitute will be the version sent forward.