SB 431 – Creates the "Academic Freedom and Whistleblower Act"

• Sponsor: Emery
• LR Number: 1375S.01I
• Committee: Education
• Last Action: 2/23/2017 - Second Read and Referred S Education Committee
• Journal Page: S340
• Effective Date: Emergency Clause

Current Bill Summary

SB 431 - This act creates the "Academic Freedom and Whistleblower Act", which prohibits any public institution of higher education from taking or maintaining a policy that allows it to take adverse personnel action against a faculty member for making certain acts of expression, as described in the act.

Any person whose rights under this act are violated may bring an action in any state court of competent jurisdiction. Such action must be filed not later than one year after the day of the cause of action accrues, as described in the act.

The provisions of this act do not apply to any privately operated institution of higher education.

This act contains an emergency clause.

JAMIE ANDREWS