Tony Kurtz, Wisconsin State Representative of 41st District | legis.wisconsin.gov
Tony Kurtz, Wisconsin State Representative of 41st District | legis.wisconsin.gov
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill focuses on enhancing emergency medical services (EMS) education and communication in Wisconsin. It mandates the Technical College System Board to provide grants to technical colleges offering EMS courses, ensuring these do not prioritize admission based on residency. The Higher Educational Aids Board must establish a reimbursement program for individuals or their employers covering tuition and materials needed for initial certification or licensure as emergency medical responders or practitioners. To qualify, individuals must complete courses, pass examinations, and obtain certification or licensure. Additionally, the Department of Military Affairs is required to implement a pilot program enabling real-time video and multimedia communications between public safety answering points and emergency callers, with a report on the program's outcomes due by Oct. 15, 2027.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Howard L. Marklein (Republican-17th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Bob G. Donovan (Republican-61st District), Representative Cindi Duchow (Republican-97th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican-19th District), Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), and Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), along 22 other co-sponsors.
Tony Kurtz has authored or co-authored another 14 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Kurtz graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 1989 with a BS.
Kurtz, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 41st Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Alex Dallman.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB198 | 04/15/2025 | Emergency medical services education, tuition and materials reimbursement for emergency medical responders and emergency medical services practitioners, and a live 911 pilot program. (FE) |
| AB197 | 04/15/2025 | A levy limit exemption for regional emergency medical systems and eligibility for the expenditure restraint incentive program. (FE) |
| AB155 | 04/02/2025 | Designating the Tom Diehl Memorial Highway. (FE) |
| AB137 | 03/13/2025 | Maximum life and allocation period for Tax Incremental District Number 9 in the village of DeForest and the total value of taxable property that may be included in tax incremental financing districts created in the village of DeForest. (FE) |
| AB22 | 02/06/2025 | Limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in, and the lifespan of, a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Middleton. (FE) |
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