AUSTIN, Texas -- Just as college students are heading back to class, a new law affecting them will take effect.

It has to do with free speech on campus. The measure was filed in response to concerns that conservative voices were being stifled on Texas campuses.

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It requires schools to allow people to engage in "expressive activities" in common spaces outdoors.

“I think the big thing to take away from this bill is, not only do we have the legislature telling colleges you can’t cordon off free speech spaces and close the rest of campus off. You can’t put onerous permit requirements on the right to peaceably assemble. But it’s really about making sure the colleges, I think, are more transparent and proactive in informing students, staff, faculty, other visitors to campus, what their policies are,” said Austin-based attorney JT Morris, who specializes in the First Amendment and free speech rights.

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Senate Bill 18 also creates disciplinary sanctions for students who interfere with the free speech activities of others. It also establishes a process for addressing complaints of potential free speech violations.

Click the video link above to watch our full interview with Morris.