Assembly Bill 974 proposes significant changes to the funding structure for the WisconsinEye Public Affairs Network. The bill repeals existing provisions related to an endowment fund and instead establishes a new public affairs network trust fund. This trust fund will allow the Department of Administration (DOA) to provide grants to WisconsinEye for its operating costs, specifically for broadcasting live state government proceedings and maintaining digital archives. The bill sets a grant limit of $10,000,000, contingent upon WisconsinEye raising matching funds from nonstate sources, and mandates that WisconsinEye appoint representatives from legislative leadership to its board, focus its coverage on state government activities, and provide free online access to its broadcasts.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions that require WisconsinEye to submit annual financial reports to the legislature and the Joint Committee on Finance. If WisconsinEye ceases operations, it must repay the grants received and transfer its archives to the state historical society. The bill also creates a new section in the statutes to outline the public affairs network fund, which will consist of state appropriations, donations, and interest earnings. Overall, the bill aims to ensure the sustainability and accountability of WisconsinEye while enhancing public access to state government proceedings.