Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025

House Bill

H.R. 3505

119th Congress

Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 17, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Donald S. Beyer Jr.

Representative

Democratic

VA-8

Cosponsors

1

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Education

Summary

This bill would require public colleges and universities that receive federal student aid to provide new and transfer students with information about their First Amendment rights, including a written statement affirming the school's commitment to free expression and educational programming on First Amendment protections.

Latest Action

Referred to the House Committee on Education and the Workforce.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This bill would require public colleges and universities that receive federal student aid to provide new and transfer students with information about their First Amendment rights, including a written statement affirming the school's commitment to free expression and educational programming on First Amendment protections.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

Free Speech On Campus Act This bill requires public institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in federal student aid programs to provide students with information about their First Amendment rights. Specifically, an IHE must provide new and transfer students attending orientation with <ul> <li>a written statement (that must also be published on the IHE's website) that explains student rights under the First Amendment, affirms the commitment of the IHE to freedom of expression, and includes an assurance that students and invited speakers will not be treated in a manner that violates their freedom of expression; and </li> <li>educational programming (including online resources) that includes the IHE's policies for protecting freedom of expression and lessons for understanding the First Amendment.</li> </ul>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Colleges must give students a written statement explaining their First Amendment rights and the school's commitment to free speech.
Colleges must provide educational programming, including online resources, about First Amendment protections and the school's free expression policies.
The bill applies to public colleges and universities that participate in federal student aid programs.

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This bill would impact students at public colleges and universities across the country, requiring these schools to be more transparent about free speech rights and policies. It aims to ensure students are informed about their ability to express themselves freely on campus.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Education

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3505, 119th Congress (2025). "Barriers to Suicide Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-3505