House passes bill clarifying three-tier school nurse system and explicitly including charter schools

The House approved House Bill 34 on Feb. 3, a cleanup and clarification measure related to school nursing licensure and evaluation paths created under prior legislation.

Representative Garrett (sponsor) said House Bill 34 ‘‘cleans up some fixes from House Bill 195,’’ adding explicit language to include charter schools in the three-tier school nursing framework and to permit level 2 and level 3 evaluators to evaluate level 1 nurses. The sponsor said the change aims to address practical evaluation shortages by broadening who may conduct evaluations.

Members asked clarifying questions. Representative 17 asked whether the bill would make it easier to obtain licensure; the sponsor replied that the bill clarifies evaluation authority and supports recruitment and retention by allowing proper evaluation and career ladder access. Representative 23 asked why charter schools needed explicit inclusion; the sponsor explained the change prevents confusion when statutory language references ‘‘school districts’’ and confirms charters are included.

Representative Thompson noted many other school roles remain outside the three-tier system and thanked sponsors for taking steps for nurses but urged continued work for other specialists. The House voted on final passage: 67 in the affirmative, 0 negative. The bill will proceed per legislative procedure for enrollment and further consideration.