Wisconsin SB498: An Act to create 36.41, 36.42, 38.44 and 38.45 of the statutes; Relating to: free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. (FE)

What the bill says

An Act to create 36.41, 36.42, 38.44 and 38.45 of the statutes; relating to: free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards.

From the enrolled text, February 23, 2026:

An Act to create 36.41, 36.42, 38.44 and 38.45 of the statutes; relating to: free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows: SB498,1Section 1. 36.41 of the statutes is created to read: 36.41 Campus free speech and academic freedom. (1) Definitions. In this section: (a) "Employee" means a member of the faculty, academic staff, or university staff assigned to an institution. "Employee" also includes the institution's graduate assistants and employees in training. (b) 1. "Virtual space" means a forum utilizing electronic technology that satisfies all of the following: a. It enables participants who are not in each other's physical presence to communicate with each other simultaneously by sight and sound to conduct a meeting or gathering, have a discussion, hold an event, or otherwise convey information and ideas with each other in real time. b. It is under the control or supervision of the institution or is being used for an institution-authorized purpose or activity. 2. "Virtual space" does not include a virtual classroom …

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