Senate Bill 498 is designed to bolster free speech and academic freedom at institutions within the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges. The bill prohibits these institutions from limiting First Amendment-protected speech unless it is unlawful or disrupts the institution's operations. It eliminates the concept of "free speech zones," enforces strict criteria for time, place, and manner restrictions on expressive activities, and limits the imposition of permits and security fees based on the content of expression. Additionally, the bill requires institutions to conduct biennial surveys on First Amendment rights and provide annual training on academic freedom and due process.

The legislation also establishes due process rights for students and employees facing disciplinary actions, ensuring they are informed of their rights and have access to evidence prior to hearings. If a due process violation occurs more than once within five years, the institution is mandated to freeze tuition for two academic years. Furthermore, individuals are granted the right to pursue civil actions against the Board of Regents or technical college district boards for violations of free speech or academic freedom, with provisions for recoverable damages and attorney fees. The bill also introduces new provisions that prohibit actions that intentionally disrupt expressive activities on campus, defining what constitutes a "materially and substantially disrupts" scenario to provide clearer guidelines for acceptable behavior in relation to campus expression.