HB4420 - 104th General Assembly (2025-2026)

COLLEGE PRESS ACT-PUBLIC MEDIA
Last Action

4/07/2026 - House: Placed on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
Statutes Amended In Order of Appearance

Synopsis As Introduced

Amends the College Campus Press Act. Defines "public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning". Provides that all public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is a public forum for expression by the employees producing the media at the institution of higher learning. Provides that public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is not subject to prior review by public officials of the State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Allows an employee or agent of an entity creating or distributing public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning to commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief as determined by a court for violation of the Act by such State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Provides that expression made by an employee or agent of an entity creating or distributing public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is neither expression of campus policy nor speech attributable to a State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Provides that a State-sponsored institution of higher learning is immune from any lawsuit arising from expression actually made in public media produced at a State-sponsored institution of higher learning. Makes other changes.
Actions

DateChamberAction
1/14/2026HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Sharon Chung
1/14/2026HouseFirst Reading
1/14/2026HouseReferred to Rules Committee
3/12/2026HouseAssigned to Higher Education Committee
3/19/2026HouseDo Pass / Short Debate Higher Education Committee; 011-000-000
3/20/2026HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate
4/07/2026HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Emanuel "Chris" Welch
4/07/2026HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate
4/07/2026HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate
4/08/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth
4/08/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Gregg Johnson
4/08/2026HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Katie Stuart