Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB198

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/15/25
• Refer: 4/15/25
• Report Pass: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/6/25
• Refer: 6/16/25

Caption

Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE)

Impact

In addition to education grants, AB198 establishes a reimbursement program for tuition and materials incurred by individuals seeking certification or licensure as emergency medical responders or practitioners. Eligible applicants include individuals who cover their educational expenses or those whose employers pay for these costs. The expectation is that by alleviating the financial burden associated with obtaining necessary training and certifications, more individuals will pursue careers in emergency medical services, addressing workforce shortages in these critical roles.

Summary

Assembly Bill 198 aims to enhance emergency medical services education in Wisconsin through grants to technical colleges that provide training for emergency medical responders and practitioners. The bill stipulates that these grants are conditional on the absence of admission priority based on a student's residence in a technical college district. This initiative is designed to broaden access to emergency medical training, thereby ensuring a robust workforce prepared for critical emergency situations.

Conclusion

Overall, AB198 reflects a proactive approach to strengthening emergency medical services education and operational responsiveness in Wisconsin. By addressing both educational financing and the integration of technology within emergency response systems, the bill seeks to bolster the state's ability to provide effective and timely healthcare in emergencies.

Contention

Another key feature of AB198 is the introduction of a live 911 pilot program, which will allow for real-time multimedia communications between emergency services and callers. This component of the bill aims to improve response effectiveness by providing dispatchers with enhanced information during emergency calls. Although this innovation is largely seen as a positive step towards modernizing emergency response systems, concerns may arise regarding data privacy, cost implications, and the technology’s reliability during emergency situations. Ultimately, the success of this program will require thorough assessment and reporting by the Department of Military Affairs to the legislature.