Enacting the Kansas intellectual rights and knowledge act, providing a civil cause of action and penalties for violations of such act and authorizing students and student associations to exercise political and ideological beliefs, values and missions.

SB 419, the Kansas Intellectual Rights and Knowledge Act (KIRK Act), requires public postsecondary institutions in Kansas to protect students' and student associations' free speech rights. It defines "expressive activity" (including protests, speeches, and guest speakers) as protected on campus, particularly in outdoor areas, and prohibits censorship unless speech constitutes severe, pervasive harassment. The bill creates a civil cause of action for students or associations to sue institutions that violate these rights, amending existing statutes to ensure compliance with First Amendment standards. It directly affects students, student groups, and university administrators at Kansas public colleges and universities.