Assembly Bill 1054 mandates the Department of Administration to issue a request for proposals for a contract to operate a public affairs network in Wisconsin. The bill outlines specific requirements for the network, including the provision of unedited live video and audio coverage of state government proceedings, which encompasses floor sessions of the senate and assembly, legislative committee meetings, executive branch agency meetings, and judicial proceedings. The network is also required to prioritize coverage of these proceedings, provide live streaming of all public legislative sessions, and maintain unedited digital archives accessible online. Additionally, the bill prohibits charging fees for access to live or archived coverage of certain legislative sessions and mandates that the network operates in a strictly nonpartisan manner, ensuring that its coverage cannot be used for campaign purposes.

The bill specifies that the Department of Administration must issue the request for proposals within 30 days of the bill's effective date. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and accessibility in government proceedings by ensuring that all coverage is available to the public without charge and is maintained in a nonpartisan context. This initiative aims to enhance public engagement and awareness of state government activities.