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Bill > AB198
WI AB198
Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE)
summary
Introduced
04/15/2025
04/15/2025
In Committee
06/16/2025
06/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Emergency medical services education This bill requires the Technical College System Board to provide grants to technical colleges that provide emergency medical services courses that train and prepare individuals for initial certification or initial licensure as an emergency medical responder or an emergency medical services practitioner. No grants may be awarded to a technical college for the emergency medical services courses if admission priority to the course is given to residents based on the technical college district in which the resident lives. Tuition and materials costs for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners The bill requires the Higher Educational Aids Board to develop a program to reimburse individuals or their employers for the cost of tuition and materials necessary for the individual to qualify for initial certification or initial licensure as an emergency medical responder or an emergency medical services practitioner. To be eligible for reimbursement for the costs necessary to qualify for an initial certification or license, the individual must satisfactorily complete any required course of instruction, pass any required examination, receive a certification or license from DHS, and apply to HEAB for reimbursement on a form prescribed by HEAB. Live 911 pilot program The bill directs the Department of Military Affairs, through a pilot program, to distribute moneys through grants to enable real-time video and multimedia communications between public safety answering points and individuals who call for emergency services. Further, the bill requires DMA to annually report to the legislature on the performance of the pilot program, including information on outcomes from the pilot program, the number of responses from dispatch that were altered due to increased information from the pilot program, and any cost savings associated with the pilot program. The bill does not require DMA to submit a report to the legislature in any year that DMA does not award any moneys through grants for the pilot program. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill establishes three key provisions related to emergency medical services (EMS) education and support. First, the Technical College System Board will provide grants to technical colleges offering EMS courses that train individuals for initial certification or licensure as emergency medical responders or practitioners, with the caveat that colleges cannot receive grants if they prioritize admission based on district residency. Second, the Higher Educational Aids Board will create a reimbursement program for individuals or their employers to cover tuition and materials costs associated with obtaining initial EMS certification or licensure. To qualify for reimbursement, applicants must successfully complete required coursework, pass examinations, receive certification from the Department of Health Services, and submit an application to the Higher Educational Aids Board. Third, the bill establishes a Live 911 Pilot Program through the Department of Military Affairs, which will distribute grants to public safety answering points to enable real-time video and multimedia communications during emergency service calls. The department is required to submit an annual report to the legislature detailing the program's outcomes, including information on how increased communication may have altered dispatch responses and any associated cost savings. This comprehensive approach aims to support EMS professional development and improve emergency communication capabilities.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (30)
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Robert Donovan (R)*,
Cindi Duchow (R)*,
Benjamin Franklin (R)*,
Joy Goeben (R)*,
Chanz Green (R)*,
Nate Gustafson (R)*,
Dean Kaufert (R)*,
Joel Kitchens (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Anthony Kurtz (R)*,
Dave Maxey (R)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Amanda Nedweski (R)*,
Todd Novak (R)*,
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D)*,
Lori Palmeri (D)*,
Jim Piwowarczyk (R)*,
David Steffen (R)*,
Lisa Subeck (D)*,
Rob Summerfield (R)*,
Nancy VanderMeer (R)*,
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R),
Jesse James (R),
Howard Marklein (R),
Steve Nass (R),
Brad Pfaff (D),
Patrick Testin (R),
Last Action
Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative Neubauer (on 06/18/2025)
Official Document
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