The bill establishes the Kansas nursing initiative grant program, which is administered by the state board of regents. This program allows accredited postsecondary educational institutions with nursing programs to apply for need-based or competitive grants to support various instructional and student support costs associated with nursing courses approved by the board of nursing. The bill modifies the eligibility criteria for institutions, specifying that they must have a physical presence in Kansas and offer nationally accredited nursing courses. Additionally, the program now requires a dollar-for-dollar funding match from institutions to qualify for grants, a change from the previous requirement that did not necessitate any funding match.

The bill outlines the types of expenses that grant funds can cover, including supplies and equipment for nursing courses, salaries for nursing instructors, professional development for faculty, and student support services such as NCLEX test preparation and childcare services. The state board is tasked with establishing standards and criteria for evaluating grant applications and will determine the amount and number of grants awarded based on available appropriations. Institutions receiving grants must also provide periodic reports to the state board regarding their use of the funds.