Tennessee Senate Passes “Charlie Kirk Act”

March 30, 2026
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Charlie Kirk, Charlie Kirk Act, Democrats, Gino Bulso, HB1476, Higher Education, House Bill 1476, House Education Committee, Paul Rose, Republicans, SB1741, Senate Bill 1741, Tennessee, Tennessee General Assembly, Tennessee House of Representatives, Tennessee Senate

Image Credit: TN General Assembly

The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –

Aimed at preserving freedom of expression at higher education institutions by creating accountability and legal deterrents for discrimination against those exercising their First Amendment rights, the “Charlie Kirk Act” was passed by the Tennessee Senate last week, bringing the legislation one step closer to becoming law.

Sponsored by Sen. Paul Rose (R-Lauderdale-District 32), SB1741 will require public institutions of higher learning to adopt two separate policies on freedom of expression and the role of such institutes in political and social action. It would also create protections for students and student organizations inviting speakers, hosting events on campus, and exercising their right to free speech under the First Amendment.

Some of those protections include prohibiting universities and faculty from restricting guest speakers or refusing to allow student organizations from inviting a speaker to the school because of the speaker’s viewpoints or in response to threatened protests or opposition from students or faculty.

“Charlie Kirk Act” Introduced For 2026 Tennessee Legislative Session

Another section states that a public university shall not discriminate or retaliate against a person or deny recognition to any student group based on their sincere religious beliefs or opposition to topics like abortion, homosexuality, or transgender ideology.

The legislation also creates a pathway for residents and taxpayers to file suit against institutions or individuals accused of violating the law, adding an additional enforcement and accountability mechanism through the court system.

On the floor, Sen. Rose said the body that the bill was named after Charlie Kirk “because we certainly know that those that disagreed with his ability to speak freely assassinated him.”

He also confirmed that schools or faculty would still maintain the ability to prohibit guest speakers or groups that have expressed a desire to harm others, encourage violent acts, or use blatantly racist speech, and made a point of reminding the Senators that the bill is intended to protect and encourage all speech, not just one political ideology over another.

“This is just a piece of legislation to make sure that any student can express themself in a safe environment. It’s not trying to tell a university to make judgements, it’s just trying to tell the university that every single student has the right to express where they are, and it’s up to the students to be explaining their positions, and they can have their freedom of speech,” said Sen. Mark Pody in support of the bill.

The vote was 26-6 along party lines, officially passing the bill in the Senate.

HB1476, the House companion bill by Rep. Gino Bulso, is scheduled for the House Education Committee for Tuesday, March 31. If you support this legislation, use the information below to contact committee members:

House Education Committee– HB1476 to be heard March 31

HB1476 enacts the “Charlie Kirk Act” to preserve freedom of expression at higher education institutes

About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.

Tennessee Senate Passes “Charlie Kirk Act”