Senate Bill 437 aims to enhance safety in licensed child care centers in Wisconsin by providing grants for the acquisition and maintenance of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). The bill mandates the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to award these grants, which will be funded biennially, with the requirement that child care centers contribute matching funds amounting to at least 33% of the total grant. This initiative is designed to ensure that all licensed child care centers have access to AEDs, which are critical for responding to cardiac emergencies.

The bill also establishes a new statute, 48.549, which outlines the grant process and eligibility criteria for child care centers. DCF is tasked with distributing the grants across various child care licensing regions as designated by the Bureau of Early Care Regulation. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to improving emergency preparedness in child care settings, ultimately aiming to protect the health and safety of children in these facilities.