SB 499 – Requires public higher education institutions to annually report on steps taken to ensure intellectual diversity

• Sponsor: Cunningham
• LR Number: 2132S.01I
• Committee: Education
• Last Action: 3/2/2009 - Second Read and Referred S Education Committee
• Journal Page: S442
• Effective Date: August 28, 2009

Current Bill Summary

SB 499 – This act creates the Emily Brooker Higher Education Sunshine Act, which defines intellectual diversity for reporting purposes at public institutions of higher education. By December 31, 2010, the Coordinating Board for Higher Education will require each public institution of higher education to annually report to the General Assembly on steps taken to ensure intellectual diversity and the free exchange of ideas. The institution must post its annual report on its website. Each institution must ensure that students are notified of measures to promote intellectual diversity and how to report alleged violations.

This act is substantially similar to HB 1315 (2008), SB 983 (2008) and is similar to HB 213 (2007).

MICHAEL RUFF