HOUSE BILL REPORT

SB 6245

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:

Education

Title: An act relating to visual screening in schools.

Brief Description: Concerning visual screening in schools.

Sponsors: Senators Litzow, Hill, Fain, Rolfes, McAuliffe and Mullet.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Education: 2/22/16, 2/25/16 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires every board of school directors to provide for screening for both distance and near visual acuity.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 20 members: Representatives Santos, Chair; Ortiz-Self, Vice Chair; Reykdal, Vice Chair; Magendanz, Ranking Minority Member; Muri, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Stambaugh, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Caldier, Griffey, Hargrove, Harris, Hayes, Kilduff, Klippert, Kuderer, McCaslin, Orwall, Pollet, Rossetti and Springer.

Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).

Background:

Every board of school directors has the duty to provide for and require screening for the visual and auditory acuity of all children attending schools in their districts. The screening must be made in accordance with procedures and standards adopted by rule of the Board of Health (BOH). Prior to the adoption or revision of rules, the BOH must seek the recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Instruction regarding administration of the screening and the qualifications of persons competent to administer the screening.

The BOH rules regarding visual screening are as follows:

The rules do not require routine screening for near visual acuity.

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Summary of Bill:

Every board of school directors has the duty to provide for and require screening for both distance and near visual acuity.

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Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) The Optometric Physicians of Washington support this bill.

The League of Education Voters strongly supports this bill. There is broad support for assuring that students can see the letters and numbers on their pages. Top Washington optometrists have volunteered to coordinate statewide near vision protocol training for school nurses, free of charge, and local eye-care professionals cannot wait to partner with districts on visual screening efforts. This is an equity issue and policymakers should ensure that students can see properly.

This bill is a step toward ending intergenerational poverty and enhancing circumstances for our youth. Educators and policymakers need to understand the obstacles that youth face, including obstacles related to an inability to read or see a chalkboard.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Brad Tower, Optometric Physicians of Washington; Jene Jones, League of Education Voters; and Asa Washines, Yakama Nation.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.