I had the privilege this week of testifying in front of the Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care on my bipartisan bill that would help our first responders better treat those suffering from anaphylactic shock.

Joining me were my Assembly co-author, Rep. Scott Krug; Mark and Cristin Mueller, the parents of the late Andrew Mueller; Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker; and other advocates.

Andrew, who was from Wisconsin Rapids, recently passed away at the age of 20 after having an allergic reaction from eating peanut butter candy. Until that moment, Andrew and his family were unaware that he had a peanut allergy.

I would encourage you to learn more about Andrew's story by clicking here, here or here.

If the police officers who first arrived at the scene were equipped with an EpiPen, many believe that Andrew's situation could have turned out differently. That is why my proposed bill – SB 156/AB 128 – would require all first responders to be supplied with and trained to administer epinephrine delivery devices.

Some of you may remember that I also testified on the Senate version of the legislation back in April. This week's public hearing in the Assembly was necessary because a bill must have a hearing in both houses before it can be eligible for consideration by the full Legislature.