A bill announced Wednesday by Democratic state Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara would waive fees to obtain or renew a nurses licenses in New York for the next two years. 

The measure is meant to address a staffing shortage in the health care sector, which has been especially acute in upstate communities. 

“Nurses have stepped up to the plate to serve our communities, and now it is time for our state government to step up for them. Anyone seeking to enter the nursing profession, or remain in the nursing profession, should not be forced to pay hundreds of dollars in fees," Santabarbara said. "My legislation will remove these financial barriers, and allow these frontline heroes to save more of their hard-earned money."

Hospitals have struggled with a staffed bed shortage since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. In some communities outside of New York City, available beds can hover between 6% and 11%, below the statewide average. 

Licensing or renewal can cost a nurse hundreds of dollars. 

“With hospital staffing shortages across the state, but especially here in upstate New York, we need to do everything we can to support nurses in our communities and make sure we remove barriers to entering this noble profession,” Santabarbara said.