This bill matters because many schools, especially those in under-resourced areas, don't have enough nurses, or sometimes no nurse at all. Nurses in schools do much more than just put on bandages; they manage chronic diseases, help with mental health issues, give medications, and promote overall wellness. With over a quarter of students managing ongoing health problems, having a nurse available means these children are safer and can focus on learning.

If this bill becomes law, it could lead to better health outcomes for students, fewer absences from school, and improved academic performance in participating districts. Without it, the existing shortage of school nurses would likely continue, leaving many students, particularly those with complex health needs, without consistent on-site medical support during the school day, potentially impacting their health and ability to learn.