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Bill

Bill

HB 1193

Vision Tests for Pre-Kindergarten Students

2026 Regular Session

Colorado bill mandates vision screening for all pre-K students to identify visual impairments early and improve learning outcomes, raising questions about school funding and implementation equity.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · HB 1193

Legislative bill overview

HB 1193 would require vision screening tests for students before they enter pre-kindergarten programs in Colorado. The bill establishes a mandate for schools to identify vision problems early, potentially including referrals to eye care professionals for students who fail screening.

Why is this important

Early vision detection is critical for child development, as untreated vision problems can significantly impact learning, academic performance, and social development during formative years. Pre-K screening creates an opportunity to catch and correct issues before they compound educational disadvantages, particularly for low-income families who may lack access to preventive eye care.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools would bear expenses for conducting vision screenings, training staff, and maintaining equipment, with unclear funding mechanisms
  • Parental authority and scope: Questions about whether screening results trigger mandatory referrals or if parents retain full decision-making authority regarding follow-up care
  • Resource disparities: Rural and under-resourced districts may struggle to implement screening programs equitably, potentially widening care gaps rather than closing them

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

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