Committee advances bill to require vision and hearing screenings for Pre-K–3 students

The Georgia House Education Committee voted to advance HB1402 (LC492711S), a substitute requiring vision and hearing screenings for all public school students from Pre-K through third grade, with parental opt-out and follow-up procedures.

Representative Hagan, the bill sponsor, told the committee the screenings would take place at the school and that parents could opt out. School systems would notify parents by a DPH-provided letter when a child fails a screening, and specified screening data would be sent to the Department of Public Health for annual reporting to the General Assembly. A one-time grant administered by the Department of Education would provide $15,000 per school system to purchase screening equipment.

“The parents will be notified by letter with wording that will be provided by DPH if their child fails either one of those screenings,” Representative Hagan said. He and other members said data from screenings could help identify students who need glasses or hearing aids and that addressing those needs can improve reading progress.

Several members spoke in support; the Lions Club’s screening experience was cited as evidence that 20–30% of students screened may fail vision checks and benefit from follow-up. After brief discussion and supportive remarks, a motion to approve the bill was made and seconded. The chair called for a voice vote and announced the bill carried out of committee.

Next steps: HB1402 will be forwarded to the House floor and then to the Senate if it clears further legislative steps.