Bill > HB2242

This bill provides a state financial supplement for public schools to hire school nurses and mental health professionals, subject to appropriation. For each, school districts can apply to the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education for funding to employ one nurse or mental health professional per school, with the supplement not exceeding the individual's district-approved salary. The department will prioritize schools with the greatest need, considering factors like nurse/professional-to-student ratios, percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch, and Title I funding recipients. As an alternative to direct employment, schools may use the supplement to reimburse telehealth service providers for nurse or mental health professional access, with the same parental authorization requirements. The bill creates two dedicated funds in the state treasury - the "School Nurse Financial Supplement Fund" and the "School Mental Health Professional Financial Supplement Fund" - which will receive appropriations, grants, and donations. These funds will not revert to general revenue at the end of the biennium, and the state treasurer will invest the funds. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop rules for implementing these programs, ensuring that supplemented professionals primarily perform duties related to student health or mental health, and establishing application procedures and award methods if applications exceed available funding.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB2242&year=2026&code=R