Senate Bill 974 aims to expand the existing reimbursement program for tuition and materials related to emergency medical services training in Wisconsin. The bill modifies the current law established by 2025 Wisconsin Act 35, which required the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) to reimburse individuals or their employers for costs associated with obtaining initial certification or licensure as emergency medical responders or practitioners. The new provisions will allow for reimbursement for individuals who complete training programs to qualify as community paramedics or community emergency medical services practitioners, provided they receive approval from the Department of Health Services (DHS).

Key changes in the bill include the renumbering and amendment of existing statutes, as well as the creation of new subsections that define eligibility for reimbursement. Specifically, the bill introduces criteria for individuals applying for community paramedic or community emergency medical services practitioner approval, including the requirement to have completed an approved training program. Additionally, it clarifies that both individuals and their employers can apply for reimbursement, expanding the scope of the program to support community-based emergency medical services training.