Committee advances bill to update dyslexia toolkit, require district policies and teacher preparation coverage

Representative Samara Heffern presented House Bill 272 and said the bill would require the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to annually review and update an existing dyslexia toolkit; require local boards of education to develop policies to identify and assist kindergarten through third‑grade students with dyslexia; compile district implementation information for the Legislative Research Commission; and require teacher‑preparation programs to include dyslexia instruction.

Heffern said the existing toolkit had not been updated since 2019 and stressed the bill is intended to provide guidance rather than create regulation. "Please remember that a toolkit is not a regulation. It is simply a reference guide for educators," she told the subcommittee. She cited national prevalence estimates, saying the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity reports "1 in 5 children have dyslexia in The United States," and said districts need clearer tools to reach students who may not qualify for special education services.

Representative Tina Bojanowski, a special education teacher, said "nothing in this bill would change any process that might come through a MTSS system or special education eligibility child find system." She described the bill as increasing awareness and providing intervention guidance through KDE's toolkit rather than altering eligibility processes. Representative Kamil asked whether teachers would be required to diagnose dyslexia; Heffern replied, "No. It does not. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis for dyslexia." The sponsor said the toolkit language would help teachers identify signs and access suggested strategies.

Committee members discussed reporting burden, potential costs for districts, and workforce shortages in school psychologists; several members asked for follow‑up conversations on reporting and administrative impacts. Representative Tipton linked the bill to earlier literacy work and the Read to Succeed effort, and moved for passage. The committee recorded a roll‑call vote; Chair Lewis announced that House Bill 272 "passes with the expression opinion that it same should pass." Several members sought to explain their vote on the record during the roll call; three members asked to "explain my vote" and said they were voting "pass" pending additional conversations about reporting burden or district costs.

The bill as presented focuses on guidance, local policy development and reporting to the LRC; the transcript does not show an amendment or a fiscal note discussed on the floor of the subcommittee.