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House Health panel advances bill to create commission on children’s vision
Summary
The House Health Committee reported House Bill 1077 as amended after adopting an amendment that narrows membership and places convening responsibility with the Department of Health. Sponsor Representative Sapita Freitas said the commission is meant to close gaps in follow-up care after school vision screenings. The committee voted 18–8 to report the bill.
House Bill 1077, which would establish a statewide commission on children's vision to coordinate follow-up care after school screenings, was reported as amended by the House Health Committee on an 18–8 vote.
Erica, a committee staff member, told the panel the bill creates a commission housed under the Department of Health that would include designees from Education and Health and vision care professionals. An amendment (A02669) adopted in committee reduced the number of vision-care professionals on the panel, added school-health leadership and community organization representation, and specified that any funding must be appropriated by the General Assembly.
Representative Sapita Freitas, recognized by the chair to speak for the bill, said the measure is intended to address gaps after screenings. Freitas said, “Over 80% of children receive vision screenings in school, but more than half of those who fail never receive follow up care.” She argued the commission would compile provider lists and create a plan to connect students to exams and eyeglasses at little to no cost to families.
Opponents on the committee questioned whether a new commission is necessary and raised fiscal concerns. Representative Roy asked why a commission was required if existing programs, including CHIP and school screenings, already provide coverage, saying, “I just don't know why this is necessary.” Representative Krupa said the problem appears identified but that the bill would create another layer of government without a clear cost estimate.
Supporters responded that current statutes require follow-up care but do not define continuity of care or the steps to ensure follow-up exams occur. Committee remarks noted that the Department of Health is updating vision-screening regulations under Act 122 of 2020 and that any commission work would be contingent on General Assembly funding. The sponsor said the commission would revisit its work in six years to evaluate impact.
After discussion and the amendment's adoption, the committee reported House Bill 1077 as amended by an 18–8 vote. The bill will proceed to the House floor for further consideration.
