Madison, WI – Today, the Assembly passed AB 82, the Kai Lermer Bill, which requires students and parents to be informed about the nature and risk of sudden cardiac arrest in youth athletic activities.

Rep Allen (R-Waukesha) introduced AB 82 in honor of Kai Lermer, who passed away after playing basketball at Grandview Park in Waukesha on April 3rd, 2019.

After his passing, Kai’s family was told that an EKG test could have discovered the heart condition and potentially saved Kai’s life. Ever since, Kai’s parents and the larger community have dedicated their time and efforts to spreading awareness of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in student-athletes.

When asked about AB 82, Kai’s father, Mike Lermer, said “The key to preventing sudden cardiac arrest in youth athletes is education. If made a law, there is no doubt AB 82 will save countless young athletes’ lives in Wisconsin.”

AB 82 requires the Department of Public Instruction, in consultation with the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association and two pediatric cardiologists, to develop information on the nature and risk of sudden cardiac arrest during athletic activities and the benefits and risks of EKG testing to determine risk. This information will be distributed for athletic activities offered to those 12 and over on an information sheet already distributed to athletes on the topic of concussion and head injuries.

“Kai’s death is a tragedy that Waukesha will not soon forget. Kai’s legacy will live on through AB 82, by preventing similar deaths of young athletes in the future” – Rep. Scott Allen.

The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee, waiting to be placed on the calendar for a vote. Once it passes through the Senate, it will go to the governor’s desk to be enacted into law.

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