Committee approves urging resolution to expand vision and hearing screening for students

Summary

The committee passed LC492231S, an urging resolution requesting the Department of Education and Department of Public Health collaborate on expanding vision and hearing screening for kindergarten, pre‑K, grades 1, 3, 5 and 8 and transfer students; sponsors said screenings can identify students who need glasses or hearing aids to support learning.

The House Committee on Education approved LC492231S, an urging resolution that asks the Georgia Department of Education and the Department of Public Health to collaborate on expanding vision and hearing screening for children at key grades (pre‑K/kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, 5th and 8th) and for transfer students.

Sponsors said uncorrected vision and hearing problems can impede early reading and learning; the presenter described a personal example in which a child received glasses after screening and made measurable reading gains. Committee members asked whether county public health facilities, foundations and nonprofits could be partners for screening and device provision; presenters said collaboration is expected and that reporting back on the effort would be an expectation even though the resolution does not statutorily require a report.

A member moved to pass the urging resolution and the committee approved it by voice vote.

The resolution does not create a funding appropriation; sponsors said it is intended to spur cross‑agency coordination and community partnerships to identify children who need vision or hearing follow‑up and to reduce missed learning opportunities.