Senate Bill 552 aims to enhance the birth defect prevention and surveillance system administered by the Department of Health Services (DHS) in Wisconsin. The bill proposes to increase the annual funding allocated for this system from $95,000 to $500,000, ensuring more robust support for monitoring and preventing birth defects in children under the age of two. Additionally, the bill authorizes an increase of 3.3 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions within DHS, funded through program revenue, to assist in maintaining the effectiveness of the surveillance system.

The fiscal implications of the bill include an increase in the appropriation for the DHS by $405,000 for both the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, specifically designated for the birth defect prevention and surveillance system. This legislative change reflects a commitment to improving public health initiatives related to birth defects and ensuring that adequate resources are available for monitoring and prevention efforts.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 253.12(7), 253.12