Georgia HR145: Education and Public Health, Departments of; collaborate to prioritize the expansion of vision and hearing screenings at various grade levels; urge

What the bill says

A resolution Urging the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health to collaborate to prioritize the expansion of vision and hearing screening at various grade levels to identify students with undiagnosed and untreated vision or hearing problems that may impede their acquisition of literacy skills; and for other purposes.

From the introduced text:

A RESOLUTION Urging the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health to collaborate to prioritize the expansion of vision and hearing screening at various grade levels to identify students with undiagnosed and untreated vision or hearing problems that may impede their acquisition of literacy skills; and for other purposes. WHEREAS, a significant percentage of school age children, approximately one-third, experience vision problems, yet for many of them the lack of vision screening and necessary follow-up diagnostic evaluations are impairing their ability to acquire literacy skills; and WHEREAS, data indicates that 78 percent of infants born in Georgia who failed their newborn hearing screening did not receive a follow-up diagnostic test, significantly impacting their path to literacy; and WHEREAS, there is a well documented direct link between vision and hearing health and the acquisition of literacy skills; and WHEREAS, Code Section 20-2-771 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated authorizes and requires the Department of Education to collaborate with public health authorities to address health related mandates for students; and H. R. LC 49 2056 WHEREAS, effective screening programs can identify vision and hearing impairments early, allowing timely interventions that support academic success and literacy development. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GEORGIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY that: (1) The Department of Education and Department of Public Health are urged …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Chris Erwin (R, 32) · primary sponsor
• Matt Dubnik (R, 29)
• Mike Cheokas (R, 151)
• Will Wade (R, 9)
• Matt Barton (R, 5)
• Bethany Ballard (R, 147)

Latest actions

1. March 12, 2026: House Passed/Adopted By Substitute
2. March 12, 2026: House Third Readers
3. March 9, 2026: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
4. February 12, 2026: House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
5. April 4, 2025: House Withdrawn, Recommitted
6. February 28, 2025: House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
7. February 6, 2025: House Second Readers
8. February 5, 2025: House First Readers
9. February 4, 2025: House Hopper

Votes

• House Vote #699 (March 12, 2026): 162 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HR145?

HR145 is a bill in the Georgia Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): Education and Public Health, Departments of; collaborate to prioritize the expansion of vision and hearing screenings at various grade levels; urge.

What does HR145 do?

In its own words: A resolution Urging the Department of Education and the Department of Public Health to collaborate to prioritize the expansion of vision and hearing screening at various grade levels to identify students with undiagnosed and untreated vision or hearing problems that may impede their acquisition of literacy skills; and for other purposes.

What is the status of HR145?

Failed as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: House Passed/Adopted By Substitute (March 12, 2026).

Who sponsored HR145?

Chris Erwin (R, 32), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HR145?

On the Georgia Legislature website: https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/69875