Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HR145

Introduced
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/28/25  
Report Pass
2/12/26  
Enrolled
3/12/26  

Caption

Education and Public Health, Departments of; collaborate to prioritize the expansion of vision and hearing screenings at various grade levels; urge

Impact

The implementation of HR145 would likely lead to systematic improvements in student health screenings within schools, specifically targeting pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and certain grades thereafter. With these screenings becoming more comprehensive, the bill aims to identify undiagnosed conditions earlier, potentially leading to timely interventions that could enhance literacy skills. This could also align with existing state literacy goals by ensuring that health factors significantly affecting learning are adequately addressed, thereby increasing overall educational effectiveness.

Summary

HR145 urges the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health in Georgia to enhance their collaboration in expanding vision and hearing screenings for students at various grade levels. The bill highlights the significant link between undiagnosed vision and hearing problems and literacy acquisition in school-aged children. The resolution aims to address the fact that a considerable percentage of students may suffer from these issues, which can impede their academic success. By emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis through screenings, HR145 seeks to foster better educational outcomes for children as they progress through their schooling.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR145 appears to be supportive, particularly among educational and public health advocates. Proponents believe that the expansion of screenings would provide necessary medical attention to students and help reduce academic disparities caused by undiagnosed health issues. There is a general recognition of the importance of proactive health measures in supporting children's education, although some may express concerns about the practical aspects of implementing these screenings on a large scale. Given that children's health is a priority, the bill resonates positively with many stakeholders.

Contention

While HR145 seems to garner broad support, potential points of contention may center around the logistical challenges of expanding screening programs state-wide. Concerns might arise regarding the funding, personnel requirements, and the capacity of educational and health systems to accommodate new screening protocols. Moreover, discussions may also emerge about how to effectively communicate the importance of these screenings to parents and integrate them into the existing curriculum without causing significant disruptions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

GA HB1402

Education; vision and hearing screening for all public school students enrolled in pre-kindergarten through third grade; require

GA SB344

K-4 Vision And Hearing Screening

GA HB3016

Schools; Binocular Vision Screening Pilot Program; eye disorders; students in kindergarten, first, or third grades; State Department of Education; State Department of Health; comprehensive binocular vision screenings; Binocular Screening Revolving Fund; effective date; emergency.

GA SB2482

Early learning collaboratives; transfer State Invested Pre-K (SIP) Program monies and participants to.

GA HB1134

Early Learning Collaboratives; expand to provide in every school district by the start of the 2029-2030 school year.

GA HB1215

Early Learning Collaboratives; expand to provide in every school district by the start of the 2030-2031 school year.

GA HR83

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Department Of Education To Collaborate To Establish A Formal, Long-term Collaborative Program To Expand, Equitably Distribute, And Sustain Tree-canopy Coverage Across Public Schools State Wide.

GA HCR91

Requesting The Department Of Land And Natural Resources And Department Of Education To Collaborate To Establish A Formal, Long-term Collaborative Program To Expand, Equitably Distribute, And Sustain Tree-canopy Coverage Across Public Schools State Wide.

GA SCR195

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

GA SR192

Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.