BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 3157

By: Bonnen, Dennis

Public Education

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Interested parties have expressed concern that schools cannot use a photoscreening device to conduct the required vision screening of students and assert that this technology would provide a more efficient alternative in detecting vision disorders. The goal of H.B. 3157 is to allow the use of a photoscreening device in Texas schools to detect vision disorders.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 3157 amends the Health and Safety Code to require the rules adopted by the executive commissioner of the Health and Human Services Commission regarding student screening for special senses or communication disorders to allow an individual who attends a public or private school to be screened using photoscreening to detect vision disorders.  

EFFECTIVE DATE

September 1, 2017.