Assembly Bill 498 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. The DCF is also tasked with ensuring that grants are distributed across all designated child care licensing regions.

The bill introduces new statutory sections, specifically 20.437 (1) (bw) and 48.549, which outline the framework for the grant program. Section 20.437 (1) (bw) establishes the funding mechanism for the grants, while Section 48.549 details the eligibility criteria and grant distribution process. This initiative is designed to improve emergency preparedness in child care settings, ultimately aiming to protect the health and safety of children in these facilities.