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We need YOUR help in advocating for EMS in Wisconsin!
Join the Wisconsin EMS Association in shaping the future of emergency medical services in our state. Through our advocacy efforts, WEMSA works to keep members informed and connected with legislation and policies that impact EMS providers, departments, and the communities they serve. We provide regular updates on key issues, offer guidance on contacting your legislators, and work to support legislation that strengthens EMS systems in Wisconsin.
How You Can Get Involved:
- Current Legislative Priorities: Stay informed about the policy issues WEMSA is actively monitoring and advocating for.
- Find Your Legislator: Learn who represents your district and how to contact them with your concerns.
- Understand the Issues: Get clear summaries and updates on proposed laws and regulations that affect your work and EMS across the state.
Together, we can push for policies that improve EMS services and support the professionals who serve our communities every day. Below is more information on our priorities and talking points!
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2025-2026 Legislative Initiatives
Summary:
Reimburses an individual or employer for the costs of EMS training programs (tuition and materials costs) completed at technical colleges in Wisconsin for initial licensure once the individual has passed the program and earned their certification (EMR - emergency medical responder) or license (EMT, AEMT, Paramedic - emergency medical service practitioner). This bill also provides grants to technical colleges for expanding the access to emergency medical service programs and creates a pilot grant program to PSAPs for piloting Live 911 programs.
Why it Matters:
Many prospective EMS professionals are deterred by the cost of training. Reimbursement breaks down barriers and supports recruitment across the state. It reduces the expenditures on EMS departments for training.
Update:
SB182 has been funded under the Emergency Medical Services Training Costs section of the state budget, allocating $3.5 million in FY2026–27 through the Joint Finance Committee’s supplemental appropriation. These funds will be released to the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) to establish an ongoing annual appropriation for reimbursing training and materials costs incurred while completing EMS licensure courses at Wisconsin Technical College System institutions.
Additionally, $3.5 million in FY2025-26 and $3.5 million in FY2026-27 was also allocated in the State Budget under WTCS - EMS Training for grants to technical colleges for expanding access to EMS programs. The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) must submit a plan for how those agencies will utilize the funding to the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) after this bill has been passed.
The JFC must approve those agencies' plans for funding to be distributed.
Current Status:
Senate Bill 182 was passed and signed into law on October 23rd, 2025 and is now 2025 Wisconsin Act 35.
Want help contacting your legislator?
Complete this form to support Initial EMS Training Funding!
Summary:
Expands PTSD-related worker’s compensation eligibility to include EMS professionals and volunteer firefighters.
Why it Matters:
Mental health injuries are just as real as physical ones. EMS professionals are exposed to significant trauma and deserve equitable support.
Talking Points:
- Other first responders (police officers and career firefighters) currently have this support. Why is EMS excluded from their counterparts in public safety?
- Volunteers in EMS typically do not receive benefits (insurance, etc.) and need the proper support for the roles that they serve for their communities.
- As Wisconsin citizens, we need to support the mental health of Emergency Medical Service professionals that must endure the worst of calls that others never have to experience.
Current Status:
Assembly Bill 651 was passed and signed into law on March 30th, 2026 and is now 2025 Wisconsin Act 145.
Current Status: Pending Governor Action - WEMSA is opposed to the amended bill.
Summary:
Creates a levy limit exemption for regional EMS systems, allowing municipalities to better fund EMS operations without going to referendum. "Regional" EMS system means any EMS agency that serves 8 or more municipalities or covers 232 square miles.
Why it Matters:
Communities working together to deliver EMS services should not be penalized under current levy rules.
Talking Points:
- This bill was amended to only include joint EMS district altering the original purpose of the bill supporting regional EMS systems. Further, the amendment would require a 5-year referendum to pass across all municipalities involved and is limits the levy exemption to CPI + 2%.
- This levy exemption for joint EMS districts already exists in current law without the need for a referendum to levy CPI + 2%.
- The original (non-amended) bill was supportive of regional EMS systems allowing municipalities that either are a part of or contract with an EMS agency that services 8 or more municipalities, to levy outside of the levy limit for EMS expenditures. The amendment removed the regional EMS levy limit exemption language.
Summary:
Provides increased reimbursement to EMS agencies when care is provided but no transport occurs (A0998 - ambulance response and treatment, no transport) an increasingly common response for EMS.
Why it Matters:
EMS agencies still use time, equipment, and training to treat patients on-scene even if they are not transported. Current reimbursement for A0998 is only $69.00 barely covering the gas to get to the scene, let alone the cost of supplies, personnel, etc.
Current Status
Senate Bill 182 was passed and signed into law on October 23rd, 2025 and is now 2025 Wisconsin Act 36.
Want help contacting your legislator?
Complete this form to support Reimbursing Non Transport Care!
Advisors & Liaisons
Political Action Committee
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Jamie StephensonEMS Education Specialist Albany Area Emergency Medical Service Inc.Co-Chair
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