All Roll Calls
Yes: 102 • No: 0
New MexicoHB 1952025 Regular SessionHouseWALLET
SCHOOL NURSE SALARY TIERS & MINIMUMS
Sponsored By: Joy Garratt (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Extra pay for certified school nurses
New Mexico provides extra school funding for level two or three registered-nurse school nurses with national school nurse certification. Nurses must hold certification from the National Board for Certification of School Nurses and be employed by the school year's first reporting date. Each qualifying nurse generates 1.5 program units in state funding. Before approving units, the department must verify employment, certification, and a required one-time salary payment to each nurse. That payment must at least equal 1.5 times the funding value of one program unit for that fiscal year.
Beginning school nurses get pay protections
New Mexico creates a three-year provisional level one license for beginning school nurses without three years of department-approved nursing experience. Applicants must be 18 or older, hold an accredited associate or bachelor's nursing degree, have a registered-nurse license, and meet department rules, including background checks. Minimum pay matches a level one teacher's salary for a 9½-month contract. Districts must provide at least one full school year of mentoring and annual intensive reviews by a level three nurse, with department rules covering schools without one. Continued employment depends on progress toward required skills; extensions beyond three years require exceptional circumstances defined by department rules. Later changes to license-maintenance rules apply when the nurse's license expires and renewal is sought.
Experienced school nurses gain pay floors
New Mexico creates nine-year level two and three school nurse licenses, with minimum pay matching level two and level three-A teachers, respectively, for 9½-month contracts. Level two applicants need successful level one service, at least three years of registered-nursing experience, or recognition of an outside license under department rules. Level three applicants need at least three years at level two, plus a degree beyond a bachelor's or national school nurse certification. Both levels must meet department qualifications and pass statewide skill reviews verified by the local superintendent; annual reviews test required skills at level two and leadership skills at level three. Nurses who fall short must receive more training and mentoring the following school year; continued failure can lead the district not to renew their contract.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Joy Garratt
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
Natalie Figueroa
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/21/2025
Final Senate Vote
Yes: 37 • No: 0
House vote • 3/14/2025
Final House Vote
Yes: 65 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor - Chapter 150 - Apr. 10
4/10/2025SenatePassed in the Senate - Y:37 N:0
3/21/2025SenateSEC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation
3/17/2025SenateSent to SEC - Referrals: SEC
3/14/2025SenatePassed in the House of Representatives - Y:65 N:0
3/14/2025HouseHAFC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
3/13/2025HouseHEC: Reported by committee with Do Pass recommendation with amendment(s)
2/21/2025HouseSent to HEC - Referrals: HEC/HAFC
1/29/2025Senate
Bill Text
Final Version
4/11/2025
SEC Committee Report 3/17/25
3/17/2025
HAFC Committee Report 3/13/25
3/13/2025
HEC Committee Report 2/21/25
2/21/2025
Introduced
1/29/2025