Tennessee House Bill HB1675

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/26
• Refer: 1/21/26
• Refer: 2/17/26
• Refer: 3/3/26

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49 and Title 68, relative to school nurses.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1675 would directly influence the salaries and employment classification of school nurses in Tennessee. By formally recognizing school nurses as licensed personnel, the bill ensures that their compensation reflects their professional status, skill level, and experience. Typically, this means that nurses with the appropriate credentials will receive at least the minimum salary corresponding to licensed teachers, thus potentially improving retention and recruitment of qualified nursing staff in schools.

Summary

House Bill 1675 proposes amendments to the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the classification and compensation of school nurses within Local Education Agencies (LEAs). The bill mandates that school nurses are considered licensed personnel, allowing them to be compensated according to a salary schedule equivalent to that of licensed teachers with comparable qualifications. This change aims to ensure that school nurses receive fair compensation aligned with their roles in the educational system.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1675 appears to be generally positive, especially among healthcare and educational professionals who advocate for fair compensation practices. Supporters likely view the legislation as a necessary step towards valuing the contributions of school nurses in maintaining student health and safety. However, there may still be concerns regarding budget implications for LEAs considering this mandate on salary structures.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1675 may arise from concerns over financial implications for school districts, especially considering budgets may be strained. Some local agencies could argue that this mandated salary increase could hinder their ability to allocate resources effectively across other educational programs. Debate may also center on the balance between standardized pay for school nurses and the discretion of LEAs to contract with outside programs to provide health services, as the bill does not restrict that capability.