Tennessee Senate Bill SB1715

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/26

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB1715 would ensure that school nurses who meet specific qualifications, such as holding a valid nursing license and being nationally certified, receive a salary on par with licensed teachers with equivalent experience. This legislative change could significantly enhance the appeal of nursing positions within schools, potentially improving the quality of health services available to students. It sets a legislative precedent for how educational support staff are categorized and compensated in Tennessee.

Summary

Senate Bill 1715 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated concerning the employment and compensation of school nurses by Local Education Agencies (LEAs). The bill establishes that school nurses shall be classified as licensed personnel and outlines the necessity for LEAs to compensate these nurses according to the salary schedule applicable to licensed personnel. This change intends to secure fair remuneration for school nurses, which some advocates believe reflects their essential role in the educational ecosystem.

Contention

The bill specifies that the established salary schedule should not decrease the pay of any school nurse currently employed at the time of its adoption, thereby protecting existing wages. However, there may be discussions regarding the terms under which LEAs contract with public nurse programs and any implications for hiring practices or budget allocations by these agencies. The clarity of the criteria for salary determination may lead to differing interpretations, raising concerns about potential disparities in nurse compensation across the state.