The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Christine Arbo Peck.
DIGEST
SB 126 Original 2020 Regular Session Barrow
Proposed law establishes the Commission for Identifying Risk Factors for Cortical Visual
Impairment and a program within the Louisiana Department of Health, office of public health, to
provide for early identification of blind and visually impaired infants.
Proposed law provides risk factors for neonates, infants from birth through the first 28 days, who are
susceptible to vision impairment to be premature birth of less than 32 weeks, in vitro alcohol or
substance abuse, birth complications, congenital infection, history of neurological disorder, diagnosis
of seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, intrauterine stroke, hydrocephalus, cerebral dysplasia such as
schizencephaly, cranial dysplasia such as apert's syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumor,
or traumatic brain injury, and birth weight of less than 1,250 grams.
Proposed law provides risk factors for infants from 29 days to 2 years old who are susceptible to
vision impairment to be genetic predisposition, family history of congenital vision impairment or
vision loss, family history of autism spectrum disorder, history of neurological disorder including
seizure disorder, cerebral palsy, intrauterine stroke, hydrocephalus, cerebral dysplasia such as
schizencephaly, cranial dysplasia such as apert's syndrome, meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumor,
or traumatic brain injury, history of metabolic disorders including hypoglycemia, 3-methylpropionic
anemia, Refsum's disease, mucopolysaccharidosis, neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis, disorders of
glycosylation or Tay-Sachs disease, history of malnourishment, sensory processing disorder,
malabsorption syndromes, and parent or caregiver concern regarding developmental, vision, or
speech delay.
Proposed law creates a program for the early identification and care for infants that are susceptible
to a visual disability, blind or visually impaired infants, and infants susceptible to developing
progressive vision loss. Proposed law provides that the program shall include development of a
susceptibility questionnaire and registry, written materials, methods to contact parents or guardians,
a telephone hotline, a system to collect data, and a coordinated effort with the state Department of
Education.
Proposed law provides for the composition of the 13 member commission, provides that members
are appointed by the governor subject to confirmation by the Senate, shall serve staggering terms,
and shall serve without compensation.
Proposed law provides that the commission advises the office of public health on the development
and implementation of the program.
Effective August 1, 2020. (Adds R.S. 36:259(B)(37) and R.S. 46:2271)