The bill amends the compensation structure for school nurses in Arkansas by redefining their classification and establishing a minimum salary framework. It specifies that school nurses are not classified as nonlicensed employees and introduces a new section, 6-17-125, which defines a "school nurse" as a licensed nurse engaged in school nursing activities. Under this new section, each school district is required to pay school nurses a minimum base salary that is at least equal to that of classroom teachers, and to adopt a salary schedule that reflects similar factors used for teacher salaries. The bill also outlines specific salary adjustments based on the nurse's education and experience, ensuring that registered nurses and licensed practical nurses receive a percentage of the base salary established for classroom teachers.

Additionally, the bill prohibits public school districts from lowering the current salaries of school nurses who are already employed and earning above the new salary schedule. It also mandates that the House and Senate Education Committees jointly consider the costs associated with funding public school nurses during the biennial adequacy review process. This legislative change aims to enhance the compensation and recognition of school nurses, thereby improving the overall quality of health services provided in public schools.

Statutes affected:
Old version HB1242 V2 - 2-24-2025 10:11 AM: 6-17-2202(1), 6-20-2305(b)
Old version HB1242 Original - 1-27-2025 01:26 PM: 6-17-2202(1), 6-20-2305(b)
HB 1242: 6-17-2202(1), 6-20-2305(b)