Assembly Bill 577 proposes amendments to the funding structure for the birth defect prevention and surveillance system administered by the Department of Health Services (DHS) in Wisconsin. The bill increases the annual allocation for this system from $95,000 to $500,000, ensuring enhanced financial 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 earmarked for the birth defect prevention and surveillance system. This legislative change aims to bolster the state's capacity to address and monitor birth defects, thereby improving health outcomes for affected children and families.

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