The bill, H.B. No. 2967, aims to enhance vision screenings for students in public and private schools in Texas. It introduces a new section to the Education Code that mandates the Texas Education Agency to publish an annual report by May 31, detailing the number of students identified with vision disorders, disaggregated by various demographics such as grade level, gender, and ethnicity. Additionally, it requires school districts to report necessary information through the Public Education Information Management System (PEIMS) to facilitate this reporting. The bill also establishes a vision care allotment under the Foundation School Program, providing $75 annually for each eligible student identified as having a vision disorder and who is educationally disadvantaged.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing health and safety regulations to expand the methods of vision screening, allowing for the use of electronic eye charts and visual screening techniques for depth perception and color blindness. It also mandates that the screening form includes specific information about the student and resources for low-cost vision care. The bill requires the commissioner of education and the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission to adopt necessary rules for implementation, with an effective date set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Health and Safety Code 36.006 (Health and Safety Code 36)