New York Assembly Bill A01487

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/10/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires vision screening examinations for students using examination devices and testing methods, including, but not limited to, the Snellen Eye Test Chart and automated vision screening devices.

Summary

This bill amends the Education Law to require that all students enrolling in a school in New York be screened for color perception, distance acuity, and near vision within six months of admission, or by another date set by the Commissioner of Education. The measure specifies that the screening may use commissioner-authorized devices and methods, including the Snellen Eye Test Chart and automated vision screening devices. The bill also requires that the results of these vision screenings be provided in writing to the student’s parent or person in parental relation and to any teacher of the student in the school while the student is enrolled. The results must also be kept in the student’s permanent school file for at least the minimum retention period established by the commissioner.

Impact

The bill would expand and standardize vision screening requirements for students in New York schools by making the screening obligation explicit for all enrolling students and by authorizing the use of both traditional and automated testing methods. It would affect school districts, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students by creating a uniform statewide requirement for documenting and sharing screening results, and it would reinforce recordkeeping obligations under the commissioner’s retention rules.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes are available, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the provided materials. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be a straightforward public-health and student-support proposal aimed at early identification of vision issues, which would likely be viewed positively by education and child-health stakeholders.

Contention

The bill text itself suggests limited controversy, but possible points of discussion could include the administrative burden on schools, the cost of implementing screening devices or training staff, and the scope of commissioner discretion in setting dates, methods, and retention requirements. Another potential issue is whether the mandate duplicates existing school health screening practices or creates new compliance obligations for districts, including New York City schools.