Synopsis:

Update (3/20/19): H.B. 19 was tabled in the House Education Committee, postponing further consideration at this time.

H.B. 19 would make available a new source of funding to public and charter schools lacking a full-time school nurse. Similar bills have failed in each of the last three General Assemblies. While it is state law that every public and charter school have at least one nurse, the funding formula for nurses’ salaries excludes certain schools with low enrollment numbers. There are several other potential sources of salary money, yet some schools still come up short. Under H.B. 19, the Department of Education would create a process by which these schools could apply for additional state funds. The bill also reiterates school districts’ right to raise property taxes without holding a public referendum to increase the local contribution to nurses’ salaries. Without sufficient funding, schools are forced to rely on nurses splitting their time between multiple locations – leaving stretches of time each day when no nurse is on the premises and putting extra strain on the nurses themselves. H.B. 19 would add an estimated $800,000 to the Fiscal Year 2020 budget.

Supporters:

Reps. Jaques (D); Sens. Poore (D), McDowell (D), State Council for Persons with Disabilities, Governor's Advisory Council for Exceptional Citizens.

Opponents:

None reported.

Links to Additional Resources: