Classified research at University of Wisconsin System institutions and exemption from open records requirements

What it does

Summary by the Legislative Reference Bureau, the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.

Under this bill, if certain requirements are satisfied, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin (UW) System may accept research contracts involving government security classifications or similar restrictions on participation in the research or access to, or dissemination of, research results. The requirements that must be satisfied are as follows. First, the research must further national security interests. Second, the educational interests of all participating students must be adequately protected. Third, appropriate facilities, infrastructure, and administrative resources must be available for the research, either on campus or at off-campus locations. Fourth, the sponsors of the research must cover all additional costs associated with the security requirements of the research. Finally, the conditions for accepting the contracts and conducting the research must be established pursuant to processes approved by the chancellors of the UW institutions at which the research is to be conducted. The bill requires the chancellors to consult with faculty in approving those processes.

The bill also provides that certain information of public higher education institutions is exempt from inspection or copying under the open records law. The information subject to the exemption is information, data, or records produced or collected by or for faculty or staff of such institutions as a result of study or research on commercial, scientific, or technical subjects. The exemption applies whether or not the study or research is sponsored by the institution alone or in conjunction with a governmental body or private concern. The exemption expires when the information is publicly released, published, or patented.

Who's behind it

9 lawmakers are its authors⁠. 7 are Republicans and 2 are Democrats.

4 more lawmakers signed on in support⁠.

Versions and amendments

Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.

• Amendment Histories
• LC Amendment Memo