Senate Bill 976 aims to enhance community emergency medical services (EMS) and falls prevention initiatives in Wisconsin. The bill mandates the Department of Health Services (DHS) to award grants totaling $600,000 to six EMS programs across rural, suburban, and urban areas, with a focus on hiring full-time community paramedics or EMS practitioners. Additionally, if funds permit, a seventh grant may be awarded. The bill stipulates that grants cannot be given to programs that already employ a community paramedic and requires recipients to report on the effectiveness of the grant within a year of receiving it.

Furthermore, the bill allocates $200,000 in both fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27 to the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging for statewide falls prevention awareness and initiatives. The bill includes a repeal of the previous grant provision under section 20.435 (1) (ck) and establishes a new section for community EMS grants. The financial provisions for the falls prevention initiative are also reflected in the state budget, ensuring the necessary funding is available for these critical health services.