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Minutes for HB2346 - Committee on Education
Short Title
Relating to standards for school-administered vision screenings.
Minutes Content for Thu, Mar 14, 2019
Chairperson Baumgardner called the meeting to order and opened the hearing on HB 2346.
Nick Myers, staff revisor, gave an overview of the bill which would amend state standards for free school-administered vision screenings. (Attachment 1)
Leah Fliter provided neutral testimony on behalf of the Kansas Association of School Boards (KASB). Information was provided on present standards and indicated the bill will provided an appropriate update for vision screenings. (Attachment 2)
Senator Sykes noted that the Lions Club has supported this program in the past but is not sure they are presently allowed to participate. She requested Ms. Fliter to investigate this situation.
Senator Bollier asked how the school boards feel about this addition and indicated she hoped that it will not conflict with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE). Ms. Fliter feels the school boards can accommodate the changes with the additional funding provided in the bill.
Senator Alley asked if optometrists could volunteer their services in this program. Ms. Fliter will investigate this option and report back to the committee. She indicated a concern had been raised that this kind of volunteering might funnel business to the optometrists doing the work.
Todd Fleisher testified in support stating the Coalition’s hope is to eliminate the current disparities between school districts. Vision plays an important role in the success of students learning and is critical to detect early. Guidelines for this program have not been updated since 2004 and it is time to implement new technology to identify shortcomings of current laws. The original laws and regulations were established in 1959 and were last updated in 2001 and do not reflect current evidence-based practices and requirements for children. The minor changes to the statues will ensure screenings are standardized and reflect updates in research and technology. (Attachment 3)
Senator Taylor inquired about the fiscal note that originally had given a figure of $4,800 but had been revised to show no cost. Mr. Fleisher stated a revised fiscal note had been requested following the House Committee on Children and Seniors to clarify Commission members would receive no reimbursement for meeting expenses.
Cindy Galemore, proponent, provided the committee with the history and background of the development of the legislation. She noted that KDHE had an employee tasked with overseeing this program, but when the employee retired, there is no replacement and at this time. No one in the state government is overseeing the school nurses and no one is watching guidelines to ensure the needed updates are made. Ms. Galemore stated, schools are in need of new eye charts and feels nurses should do screenings as opposed to the current system of teachers performing the screenings. She also stressed there has been no increase in number of times screenings in school districts, current legislation does not address early childhood assessments, and stressed screening is not an eye exam. (No written testimony provided)
Senator Braun stated that a reasonable consideration is not to create another agency, but perhaps use Optometry Board or another current agency as an overseeing body. Conferee Fleisher answered that is a recommendation of the Vision Coalition Task Force to create a board is to assist schools with screenings.
Senator Bollier stated that KSHE is charged with oversight of public health issues and should oversee this program.
Senator Braun agreed that that would be appropriate, and the most qualified person should be appointed to oversee the program.
Conferee Galemore shared that the creation of the board was also discussed in the House hearing. The intent is to bring the highest level of assistance to Kansas students. She described the equipment that is presently used and how new technology would be good but only for students in third through sixth grades.
Chairperson Baumgardner stated that she liked having professionals coming to present research and plan. The Department of Education and the Department of health should coordinate the collection of data and how it is handled.
Senator Givens stated that Kansas requirements are higher than Federal standards and as written are adding to the burden of the schools.
Conferee Galemore responded that many schools are meeting the higher standards.
Senator Givens felt this was a burden and wants to change option to meet higher requirements.
Chairperson Baumgardner requested Galemore’s contact information and invited her to share any recommendations or amendments as the Committee will be working on the bill next week.
Written testimony in support of HB2346 was submitted by:
- Jessica King, Kindergarten teacher, USD 298 Lincoln Public Schools. (Attachment 4)
Chairperson Baumgardner closed the hearing on HB 2346.
The meeting adjourned at 2:12 p.m.
