MD HB1242

State Department of Education and Maryland Department of Health must convene a workgroup to study vision screening failure rates among primary and secondary students, follow-up treatment rates, and barriers to receiving eyeglasses and other vision services

Workgroup membership includes county boards of education, local health departments, Maryland Optometric Association, Maryland Society of Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Vision for Baltimore, and other vision service providers

Workgroup must recommend whether additional mandatory vision screenings are needed, evaluate feasibility of reporting eye exam results to schools similar to MVA reporting, and assess funding options including insurance, grants, and public funding

Maryland State School Health Council must separately evaluate how many students with hearing difficulties lack necessary auditory aids and whether similar support programs should be created for hearing needs

Both reports due to General Assembly by December 31, 2026; the Act takes effect July 1, 2025 and automatically sunsets on June 30, 2027