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HB 1402

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

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bethany Ballard and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill mandates vision and hearing screenings for pre-K through 3rd grade students to identify sensory impairments affecting learning outcomes.

Senate Read and Referred
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Bill Summary · HB 1402

Legislative bill overview

HB 1402 requires Georgia public schools to conduct vision and hearing screenings for all students in pre-kindergarten through third grade. The bill mandates these screenings as part of standard school health procedures, ensuring early detection of sensory impairments that could affect learning and development.

Why is this important

Undetected vision and hearing problems in young children can significantly impair academic performance, social development, and long-term educational outcomes. Early screening allows for timely intervention and corrective measures, potentially preventing developmental delays and improving school readiness across all student populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools must absorb expenses for screening equipment, trained personnel, and program administration across entire grade cohorts without specified state funding allocation
  • Parental notification and follow-up responsibility: Unclear whether schools or parents bear responsibility for arranging medical follow-up when screening identifies problems
  • Timeline and resource burden: Screening all students in four grade levels creates significant logistical demands on school nurses and health staff already managing multiple responsibilities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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