Wisconsin Lawmakers Hear Testimony on EpiPen Bill Following Tragic Death of Local Student

A Hearing Fueled by Loss and Hope

The Wisconsin State Assembly’s Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care held an emotional public hearing this week on Assembly Bill 128 — a bipartisan proposal that would require all first responders to be equipped with and trained to administer epinephrine delivery devices.

Senator Patrick Testin, the Senate President Pro Tempore and a leading co-sponsor of the legislation, testified before the committee alongside his Assembly co-author, Representative Scott Krug. They were joined by Mark and Cristin Mueller — parents of the late Andrew Mueller — Wood County Sheriff Shawn Becker, and other advocates who believe the bill could save lives.

“This is about giving our first responders every possible tool to save a life,” Testin said. “When every minute counts, an EpiPen can make all the difference.”

Remembering Andrew Mueller

Andrew Mueller, a 20-year-old from Wisconsin Rapids, died last November after unknowingly eating peanut butter candy. Neither he nor his family knew he had a peanut allergy. When Andrew went into anaphylactic shock, police arrived before the ambulance — but officers didn’t have epinephrine to administer.

By the time paramedics arrived with the medication, it was too late. His parents now believe that if the officers had been equipped with EpiPens, their son might still be alive.

“Andrew’s story is heartbreaking,” said Testin. “No family should lose a loved one because help arrived but didn’t have the right tool.”

What the Bill Would Do

Under Assembly Bill 128/Senate Bill 156, all first responders — including law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS practitioners, emergency medical responders, correctional officers, and conservation wardens — would be required to complete training in recognizing and treating severe allergic reactions.

The bill directs the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to identify certified training programs and allows the department to distribute epinephrine devices directly to trained first responders or their employers. It also establishes procedures for proper storage, administration, and emergency follow-up after epinephrine use.

Testin emphasized that while firefighters and paramedics already carry the medication, law enforcement officers — who often arrive first on scene — currently do not. “This is a common-sense measure that closes that gap,” he said.

Balancing Costs and Safety

Some law enforcement departments have raised concerns about costs. An epinephrine autoinjector can run up to $300, and widespread implementation would require both funding and ongoing training.

Testin acknowledged those concerns and said he is exploring ways to reduce the fiscal impact, including potential partnerships or funding assistance for local agencies. “We recognize this could be an unfunded mandate for some departments,” he said. “But the price of inaction is far higher when measured in lives lost.”

A Legacy of Advocacy

The Muellers have become outspoken advocates for the bill, sharing their son’s story publicly in hopes of preventing similar tragedies. Their work follows in the footsteps of another Wisconsin family, George and Angel Mueller, whose son Dillon died from a bee sting in 2014. That tragedy led to the passage of Dillon’s Law, allowing trained individuals to carry and administer epinephrine.

Andrew’s parents have now made it their mission to extend that protection to first responders. “It would’ve been a different outcome,” Cristin said during an earlier interview. “We just don’t want another family to go through what we did.”

The Next Step

With the Assembly public hearing complete, the bill now awaits committee action before it can advance to a full vote in both chambers. The Senate version received its hearing earlier this spring.

If enacted, Wisconsin would join a growing list of states expanding epinephrine access to first responders — a change advocates believe will save lives in emergencies where seconds matter most.

As Testin told the committee, “We can’t bring Andrew back. But we can make sure his story changes the future for someone else.”