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Panel advances bill to let nurses with higher degrees supervise lower-degree students for scholarship eligibility
Summary
The committee recommended Senate Bill 22,221 for passage; the bill expands eligibility to allow nurses pursuing or holding higher degrees to teach and retain scholarship eligibility, and committee members confirmed the change does not add a new appropriation.
The committee gave Senate Bill 22,221 a favorable recommendation after senators discussed how the measure would expand scholarship and loan-repayment program eligibility for nurses who instruct others with lower educational levels.
Lawmakers described the bill as clarifying that nurses pursuing a master's degree or holding higher credentials can serve in instructional roles without losing eligibility for existing scholarship or loan programs. Senators emphasized the bill targets “professional and technical skills” and should help retain practicing nurses in areas with shortages.
Committee members also reviewed the bill’s fiscal implications. Senators noted the bill contains no new appropriation; testimony and the fiscal note indicate a previously budgeted incentive payment of $45,000 is carried in the judiciary’s existing budget (discussion in committee referenced an existing funding line earlier in the meeting). Members said the change appears to be administrative—allowing existing scholarship/repayment authority to apply in more staffing scenarios—rather than a new recurring expense.
A motion for a "do pass" recommendation carried by recorded vote. The committee’s endorsement sends the bill forward with the committee’s recommendation that it advance.
