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Bill

SB 5271

Requiring school districts of the first class to employ a school nurse.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by T'wina Nobles and 4 co-sponsors

Washington's largest school districts must hire a school nurse to provide essential health services and improve student wellness and academic attendance outcomes.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5271

Legislative bill overview

SB 5271 mandates that Washington school districts classified as "first class" (typically the largest districts) must employ at least one school nurse on staff. The bill establishes a minimum staffing requirement rather than merely recommending or encouraging nurse employment in schools.

Why is this important

School nurses provide critical health services including managing chronic conditions, responding to medical emergencies, administering medications, and identifying health issues that affect student learning and attendance. This mandate directly addresses health equity by ensuring students in large districts have access to professional nursing care, which can reduce absenteeism and improve academic outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and funding: The bill does not appear to include a funding mechanism, potentially placing unfunded mandates on school districts already facing budget constraints
  • Scope limitations: By applying only to "first class" districts, smaller and rural districts are excluded, creating unequal access to school nursing services across the state
  • Implementation timeline: No clear phase-in period is specified, which could create immediate compliance challenges for districts without current nursing staff or budgets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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