Assembly Bill 1207 establishes a Civic Information Consortium Board within the University of Wisconsin System, aimed at enhancing local journalism and media projects in Wisconsin. The board will consist of four representatives from the UW System, five local media representatives, and two public members, all appointed for four-year terms. The board is tasked with forming a nonprofit corporation, the Wisconsin Civic Information Consortium, Inc., which will administer a grant program to support local journalism initiatives. The bill mandates that grant applications demonstrate how they will address civic information needs and improve media literacy, particularly for underserved communities, with at least 30% of grants directed to rural partners.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the board to report annually to the governor and legislature on the use of funds and the impact on civic engagement. It emphasizes the importance of an informed electorate and the independence of media, stating that the legislature does not intend to influence grant recipients' reporting. The bill also includes a statement of legislative intent, highlighting the need to address the decline in local news coverage and its effects on community access to information.