Bill > HB467

This bill requires public, private, parochial, and parish schools to conduct hearing screenings for students entering kindergarten or first grade beginning in the 2026-27 school year. The bill defines key terms, including "parent" as a student's guardian and "student" as a child first enrolling in kindergarten or first grade. Schools must provide parents with information about the hearing screening program before August 1st and complete the screening before November 1st. Schools have multiple options for conducting these screenings: they can perform the screenings themselves, contract with providers, request parents to obtain screenings from their chosen provider, or use a combination of these methods. If parents are asked to obtain screenings, the school must provide a list of community providers and information about services for those who cannot afford them. Parents can decline the screening by signing a written statement. The bill also requires further assessment if screening results suggest a need for special education services, and provides an exemption for students who have been examined by a licensed physician within the previous 12 months. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services, will develop a model screening program and may create necessary regulations for implementing these requirements.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB467&year=2025&code=R