Bill > HB2967

This bill enhances vision screening and care for students in Texas by establishing several key provisions. The Texas Education Agency will be required to create an annual online report detailing vision screening results, which will break down data by factors like grade level, campus, gender, race, and whether students are educationally disadvantaged. The bill also creates a new Vision Care Grant Program targeting educationally disadvantaged students who have been identified with vision disorders, enabling the agency to provide grants covering vision screenings and necessary vision care like eye exams and corrective devices. Additionally, the bill expands vision screening techniques to include photoscreening, electronic eye charts, and new methods for detecting depth perception issues and color blindness. The legislation mandates that vision screening notification forms include more comprehensive information for parents, such as resources for low-cost vision care and potential eligibility for child health plan benefits. A new third-party data management system will be acquired to facilitate reporting and maintain student information while ensuring compliance with privacy laws. The bill is set to take effect on September 1, 2025, with rule adoption required by December 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for implementation.

Education

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=HB2967