Governor Tony Evers has signed two bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening Wisconsin’s emergency medical services (EMS) system. Authored by Sen. Howard Marklein (R–Spring Green) and Rep. Tony Kurtz (R–Wonewoc), Acts 35 and 36 are designed to help local EMS departments address ongoing challenges with recruitment, retention, and training.

Act 35 establishes a tuition reimbursement program for individuals who complete EMS education through the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and obtain state licensure. The bill also creates a grant program to help technical colleges cover the costs of running EMS classes that may not be fully enrolled. In addition, Act 35 launches a Live 911 Pilot Program, which allows dispatchers to connect to callers via live video for improved situational awareness during emergencies.

Act 36 increases the reimbursement rate for “treatment in place” calls under the state’s Medicaid program—cases where EMS providers treat a patient on-site without hospital transport. The law also requires an annual report detailing changes to state and national EMS scope-of-practice standards, ensuring transparency around training requirements and their impact on personnel.

Both lawmakers said the new laws will give EMS providers more flexibility and resources as they continue to face staffing and funding pressures statewide.