University of Arizona English lecturer Lisa O'Neill leads campus rally for better working conditions, Feb. 25, 2015.Listen:
House Bill 2615 would ban public universities and community colleges from setting up free speech zones on campus.
The bill passed the Senate on a 21-8 vote after it was changed to add specific penalties and definitions of free speech zones.
Sen. Steven Yarbrough, R-Chandler, explained how universities are punished if they restrict free speech.
“It states that if any violation occurs, then the court shall award the aggrieved the following: injunctive relief for the violation, reasonable court costs, and reasonable attorney fees," Yarborough said. "It requires the person to bring action within one year of the occurrence of the violation.“
HB 2615 went through several changes as it moved through the Legislature.
A handful of Pima County Democratic senators who voted against it said they like the original idea, but the details complicated the proposal.
The University of Arizona considers the entire campus a free speech zone.
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