H.R.3262 - Nurses for Under-Resourced Schools Everywhere Act; NURSE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.3262, the NURSE Act, proposes demonstration grants to local educational agencies to increase the number of school nurses in public elementary and secondary schools. Priority is given to high-need agencies and those without existing school nurse programs. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to improve student health outcomes by increasing access to school nurses. This could lead to better management of chronic conditions, improved mental health support, and increased immunization rates. The grants would be distributed competitively, with a decreasing federal share over time to encourage state and local funding.
Potential Benefits
- Improved student health outcomes through increased access to school nurses.
- Better management of chronic conditions like asthma and diabetes in schools.
- Enhanced mental health support for students.
- Increased immunization rates and reduced spread of communicable diseases.
- Potential for improved student attendance and academic performance.
Potential Disadvantages
- The federal share of the grant decreases over time, potentially burdening state and local resources.
- Competitive grant process may leave some eligible entities without funding.
- Potential for administrative overhead in managing the grant program.
- The bill relies on appropriations, which are not guaranteed.
- Limited scope, focusing solely on school nurses and not addressing other school health needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the General Welfare Clause of the Constitution (Preamble), which allows Congress to enact legislation that promotes the health and well-being of citizens. The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, but this bill provides grants to states and local entities, which is a permissible exercise of federal power under the Spending Clause (Article I, Section 8).
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).