BILL REQ. #:  S-1276.1 

Read first time 02/10/09.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to vision screening of school children; amending RCW 28A.210.020; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature recognizes that, among other causes, students who, from one semester to the next, exhibit striking behavior or discipline changes or a sudden drop in academic performance may have vision impairments. It is the goal of the legislature that, to the extent that funds are available, such children be given additional vision screening.

Sec. 2   RCW 28A.210.020 and 1971 c 32 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     Every board of school directors shall have the power, and it shall be its duty to provide for and require screening for the visual and auditory acuity of all children attending schools in their districts to ascertain which if any of such children have defects sufficient to retard them in their studies. Auditory and visual screening shall be made in accordance with procedures and standards adopted by rule ((or regulation)) of the state board of health. Those students who exhibit a striking behavior or discipline change, or a sudden drop in academic performance may be subject to additional visual screening in order to determine whether the change in behavior, discipline, or grades is due to visual impairment. Personnel conducting the additional visual screening shall use a functional vision test in addition to screening required by the state board of health. Prior to the adoption or revision of such rules ((or regulations)) the state board of health shall seek the recommendations of the superintendent of public instruction regarding the administration of visual and auditory screening and the qualifications of persons competent to administer such screening.