Governor’s desk is next step for Tennessee’s Charlie Kirk Act

(The Center Square) – A Tennessee bill that its sponsor says promotes “fearless freedom of debate and deliberation” and is on its way to second-term Republican Gov. Bill Lee.

Senate Bill 1741/House Bill 1476 would bar the state’s colleges and universities from rescinding invitations to speakers because of their politics, according to its sponsor, Rep. Gino Bulso, R-Brentwood. Students or faculty who protest during a speech could also face discipline under the bill.

The bill, known as the Charlie Kirk Act, passed the Senate in March and the House of Representatives on Monday, following contentious debate. Kirk, a conservative commentator, was killed on Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University.

Bulso said, despite its name, the bill is nonpartisan.

“Preserving campus free speech is integral to encouraging civil discourse and protecting academic freedom,” said Bulso. “The Charlie Kirk Act creates critical safeguards for students and faculty and renews the idea that our higher ...