AR HB1447

Excludes school nurses from the definition of "classified employee" in Arkansas Code § 6-17-2202(1)(B), establishing them as a separate employment category.

Requires school districts to pay school nurses a minimum base salary equal to classroom teachers as established under § 6-17-2403, effective for the 2023-2024 school year and thereafter.

Mandates school districts adopt a nurse salary schedule using the same or similar factors and steps as the teacher salary schedule, prorated based on a 190-day contract.

Establishes tiered salary requirements: nurses with bachelor's degrees receive equal pay to entry-level classroom teachers; registered nurses without bachelor's degrees receive at least 90% of comparable teacher salary; licensed practical nurses without bachelor's degrees receive at least 80% of comparable teacher salary.

Prohibits school districts from lowering the current salary of currently employed school nurses earning above the new minimum schedule requirements.