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)

SB 498 establishes new Wisconsin statutes to protect free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges. It defines "employee" to include faculty, staff, and graduate assistants, and specifies that institutions cannot restrict First Amendment-protected speech - including protests, discussions, or virtual gatherings (except during instructional classes) - in public campus areas or designated forums. The bill allows limited restrictions only for speech that violates law, constitutes false defamation, poses a genuine threat, or causes material disruption, requiring all rules to be content-neutral and viewpoint-neutral. It also clarifies that institutions must uphold these protections while ensuring reasonable time, place, and manner regulations for expressive activities.