Wisconsin lawmakers want schools to offer CPR training for 7th, 8th graders

MADISON — Two Republican legislators have drawn up a bill requiring Wisconsin schools to provide CPR training in health classes for seventh and eighth graders.

Current Wisconsin law requires all public, charter and private schools to offer instruction in CPR and external defibrillators to high school students. Sen. Jerry Petrowski and Rep. John Spiros introduced a bill Monday that would require all schools to offer CPR and defibrillator training in health classes in any health class offered to grades seven through 12.

According to the American Heart Association, 27 states require CPR training for graduation.

Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald's spokeswoman said he hasn't reviewed the bill and the chamber won't take it up before the fall session ends this week. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos' spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to an email.