NURSE Act Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act
Impact
This legislation is particularly focused on addressing the needs of high-need local educational agencies, where there may be insufficient nursing staff to meet the health demands of students. The bill outlines a structure where eligible entities can apply for federal grants to cover a portion of the costs associated with hiring school nurses. The federal share of the grant will not exceed 75% in the first year, decreasing in subsequent years to encourage ongoing local funding. This financial structure aims to stabilize and maintain the needed staffing levels in schools, potentially transforming school health services across under-resourced regions.
Summary
House Bill 3197, known as the NURSE Act, aims to increase the number of school nurses in public elementary and secondary schools by providing demonstration grants to eligible local educational agencies. The bill recognizes the significant impact that school nurses have on the health and well-being of students, as they serve as vital health care providers, often being the only medical professional many students interact with regularly. By allocating federal funds, the act hopes to ensure that every student has access to nursing services that can lead to improved health outcomes and better academic performance.
Contention
While many stakeholders support the expansion of school nursing staff, there may be contention regarding the allocation of limited education resources and the prioritization of nursing services over other necessary educational supports. Critics may argue that while addressing health needs is crucial, it should not overshadow funding for teachers, educational materials, or other critical school functions. Furthermore, the requirement for local educational agencies to match federal funding might pose challenges for those that already struggle with budget constraints.
One School, One Nurse Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to award competitive grants to eligible entities for recruiting, hiring, and retaining school nurses. An eligible entity is a local educational agency (LEA) or a partnership between a state educational agency and a consortium of LEAs in the state. Further, ED must specify in regulation the recommended nurse-to-student ratios for elementary and secondary schools.
Assault Weapons Ban of 2023 This bill makes it a crime to knowingly import, sell, manufacture, transfer, or possess a semiautomatic assault weapon (SAW) or large capacity ammunition feeding device (LCAFD). The prohibition does not apply to a firearm that is (1) manually operated by bolt, pump, lever, or slide action, except for certain shotguns; (2) permanently inoperable; (3) an antique; (4) only capable of firing rimfire ammunition; or (5) a rifle or shotgun specifically identified by make and model. The bill also exempts from the prohibition the following, with respect to a SAW or LCAFD: importation, sale, manufacture, transfer, or possession related to certain law enforcement efforts, or authorized tests or experiments; importation, sale, transfer, or possession related to securing nuclear materials; and possession by a retired law enforcement officer. The bill permits continued possession, sale, or transfer of a grandfathered SAW, which must be securely stored. A licensed gun dealer must conduct a background check prior to the sale or transfer of a grandfathered SAW between private parties. The bill permits continued possession of, but prohibits sale or transfer of, a grandfathered LCAFD. Newly manufactured LCAFDs must display serial number identification. Newly manufactured SAWs and LCAFDs must display the date of manufacture. The bill also allows a state or local government to use Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program funds to compensate individuals who surrender a SAW or LCAFD under a buy-back program.