SUPPORTING FREE AND RESPONSIBLE SCHOLASTIC JOURNALISM AND ACTIVELY SUPPORTING AND HONORING THE FIRST AMENDMENT OF THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION IN STUDENT PUBLICATIONS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Terez Amato and 3 co-sponsors

HR 105 protects students' First Amendment rights in journalism, ensuring they can express themselves freely while promoting responsible practices in schools.

Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1846), recommending adoption.

#departmentofeducation #journalism

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HR 105

Title: Supporting Free and Responsible Scholastic Journalism and Actively Supporting and Honoring the First Amendment of the United States Constitution in Student Publications

Status: Reported from JHA (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1846), recommending adoption

Introduced: January 3, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Subject: Department of Education, Journalism

Purpose and Intent

HR 105 aims to promote and protect the principles of free and responsible journalism within educational institutions. The resolution emphasizes the importance of the First Amendment rights in student publications, advocating for an environment where students can express themselves freely and responsibly through journalism.

Key Provisions

While the specific text of the resolution is not detailed in the provided information, the intent suggests the following key provisions:
- Promotion of First Amendment Rights: The resolution seeks to affirm the rights of students to engage in journalistic activities without undue censorship or restrictions.
- Support for Scholastic Journalism: It encourages educational institutions to foster an environment that supports student journalism initiatives, recognizing their role in education and civic engagement.
- Recognition of Responsible Journalism: The resolution likely includes guidelines or principles that define responsible journalism practices for students, ensuring that their work is ethical and informative.

Affected Parties

Students: The primary beneficiaries of this resolution are students involved in journalism programs and school publications, who will gain greater protections for their rights to free expression.

Educational Institutions: Schools and universities will be impacted as they may need to adjust policies and practices to align with the principles outlined in the resolution.

Educators and Administrators: Teachers and school administrators will play a crucial role in implementing the supportive measures for student journalism.

Legislative Timeline

January 3, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

March 14, 2025: Referred to the Education (EDN) and Judiciary and Hawaiian Affairs (JHA) committees.

March 20, 2025: The EDN committee recommended the measure be passed with amendments.

March 25, 2025: The report was adopted and referred to JHA.

April 1, 2025: The JHA committee recommended that the measure be passed unamended.

April 3, 2025: The resolution was adopted in its final form, with some representatives voting with reservations or against it.

Conclusion

HR 105 represents a significant step towards safeguarding the rights of students in journalism, reinforcing the importance of the First Amendment in educational settings. By promoting responsible journalism practices, the resolution aims to empower students and enhance the quality of student publications across educational institutions.

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