MO HB1917

Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, all public, private, parochial, and parish schools in Missouri must conduct hearing screenings for children enrolled for the first time in kindergarten or first grade, to be completed before November 1 of that school year.

School boards must notify parents about the hearing screening program before August 1 and may conduct screenings directly, contract with outside providers, or request parents to obtain screenings from a provider of their choice.

Parents may opt out by signing a written statement declining the screening, and students are exempt if a parent provides proof of a physician examination within the 12 months preceding the required screening date.

If screening results indicate a possible need for special educational services, the school board is required to conduct further assessment as required under state law.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services, must develop a model hearing screening program and may promulgate rules for administration of the section.