House Bill 731 Summary

• Defines dyslexia as a neurological learning challenge characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities resulting from phonological deficits.

• Requires the state department of education to identify evidence-based dyslexia screening tools and intervention practices, and provide professional development in multisensory-structured literacy approaches starting in the 2022-2023 school year.

• Establishes a statewide tier 1 dyslexia screening measure for kindergarten through grade 3 using the fall statewide reading assessment, with tier 2 diagnostic measures required for identified students and parent notification mandatory.

• Mandates that instructional staff in kindergarten through grade 5 complete dyslexia-focused professional development by the 2023-2024 school year, with similar requirements for grades 6-12 staff and recertification requirements by 2025-2026.

• Becomes effective July 1, 2022, with emergency status declared.