Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB498

Introduced
10/9/25  
Refer
10/9/25  

Caption

An Act to create 20.437 (1) (bw) and 48.549 of the statutes; Relating to: automated external defibrillators in child care centers and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB498 will modify existing state laws concerning health and safety regulations in child care centers. The audacious step toward integrating AEDs within such facilities can profoundly influence the health response frameworks in child care environments, ensuring that children are safer during their time at these centers. This legislation reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible emergency medical equipment in protecting vulnerable populations, especially young children.

Summary

Assembly Bill 498 (AB498) focuses on the requirement for child care centers to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) on-site. The bill seeks to enhance the health and safety measures within child care facilities, emphasizing the importance of prompt emergency response in life-threatening situations, particularly cardiac events. By legislating the installation of AEDs, the bill aims to provide a crucial tool for caregivers to potentially save lives in emergencies, thus promoting better preparedness in child care settings.

Contention

While supporters of AB498 argue that equipping child care centers with AEDs is a necessary measure that could save lives, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for child care providers. Some opponents might argue that the mandate could impose additional costs that could burden facilities, especially smaller ones that already operate on tight budgets. Hence, discussions may also involve addressing the means of funding these requirements to mitigate potential financial strains on child care centers.

Companion Bills

WI SB437

Crossfiled An Act to create 20.437 (1) (bw) and 48.549 of the statutes; Relating to: automated external defibrillators in child care centers and making an appropriation. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI SB437

Automated external defibrillators in child care centers and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI HB1535

Relating To Automated External Defibrillators.

WI AB1819

Automated external defibrillators.

WI HB191

In certification of teachers, repealing provisions relating to CPR instruction; and, in school health services, repealing provisions relating to automatic external defibrillators and providing for AED and CPR instruction and procedure, for Automated External Defibrillator Program and for availability and specifications of automated external defibrillators.

WI SR79

Encouraging The State To Examine Requiring Automated External Defibrillators In All State-owned Buildings And Pursue Existing Automated External Defibrillator Programs.

WI SCR87

Encouraging The State To Examine Requiring Automated External Defibrillators In All State-owned Buildings And Pursue Existing Automated External Defibrillator Programs.

WI A10039

Amends the definition of automated external defibrillator to remove the requirement that an action be taken by an operator before delivering an appropriate electrical impulse to the patient's heart to perform defibrillation.

WI HB1522

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities; licensure, automated external defibrillators.

WI SB1551

Relating to the availability of automated external defibrillators at public schools.

WI HB2635

Relating to county and municipal regulation of automated external defibrillators.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.