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AB 1044

Relating to: grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Clancy and 18 co-sponsors

The bill creates and funds a grant program to help eligible individuals obtain patient lift devices, with an appropriation and administration requirements.

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Bill Summary · AB 1044

Summary of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 1044 (2025 Session)

Title

Relating to: grants for patient lift devices and making an appropriation. (FE)

Purpose and Intent

AB 1044 establishes or expands a program to provide grants for patient lift devices. The bill also includes an appropriation to fund these grants. The core aim is to support individuals who require assistive patient lift equipment, reducing barriers to obtaining such devices and potentially improving safety and quality of life for patients and caregivers.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Grants for patient lift devices: The bill creates or expands a grant program to assist eligible individuals or households in obtaining patient lift devices. The specifics (eligibility criteria, grant amounts, allowable devices, and administration) would be defined in the bill text and implementing guidelines.
  • ** appropriation:** An appropriation is provided to fund the grant program. Details to note:
    • The total monetary amount appropriated (dollar figure) and whether funds are recurring or one-time.
    • Allocation process and oversight requirements (e.g., from which agency, reporting requirements, etc.).
  • Administration and oversight (likely): Provisions typically include:
    • Eligible recipients (e.g., low-income individuals, elderly, or those with disabilities).
    • Application process and required documentation.
    • Eligible devices (types of patient lifts, compatible accessories, and safety standards).
    • Compliance and reporting obligations for grantees and administering agency.
  • Effective date: The bill would specify when the program and funding take effect (e.g., upon enactment, or a future date).

Who/What Is Affected

  • Individuals requiring patient lift devices and their households who would qualify for grant assistance to obtain equipment.
  • Caregivers and care facilities who assist eligible individuals, potentially benefiting from financial support to acquire lifts.
  • State agencies responsible for administering the grant program and disbursing funds.
  • Medical equipment suppliers and distributors may experience changes in demand driven by grant-supported purchases.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and referred: Introduced on February 26, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care.
  • Co-authors/Sponsors: Includes a broad slate of sponsors from both chambers (House and Senate), indicating cross-party interest and broad support.
  • Status notes: As of the latest update, legislative action includes receipt of a fiscal estimate (April 6, 2026) and previous committee activity.
  • Potential development timeline: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes in the Assembly and Senate, and eventual gubernatorial action for enactment. Fiscal and programmatic details would be clarified through the fiscal estimate and fiscal notes.

Fiscal and Administrative Considerations

  • Funding level and source: The appropriation amount and funding source will determine program reach (number of grants and average grant size).
  • Budget alignment: The program would be subject to Wisconsin budgetary processes and potential interaction with existing health or aging services programs.
  • Accountability: Typical requirements would include annual reporting on grant expenditures, program outcomes, and recipient eligibility verification.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize particular stakeholders (e.g., consumers, providers, or policymakers) or compare AB 1044 to current Wisconsin program components addressing assistive devices.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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