LESC bill analyses are available on the New Mexico Legislature website (www.nmlegis.gov). Bill analyses are
prepared by LESC staff for standing education committees of the New Mexico Legislature. LESC does not assume
any responsibility for the accuracy of these reports if they are used for other purposes.
LEGISLATIVE EDUCATION STUDY COMMITTEE
BILL ANALYSIS
57th Legislature, 1st Session, 2025
Bill Number SB344 Sponsor Soules
Tracking Number .230253.1 Committee Referrals SEC/SFC
Short Title K-4 Vision and Hearing Screening
Original Date 2/15/2025
Analyst Davalos Last Updated
BILL SUMMARY
Synopsis of Bill
Senate Bill 344 (SB344) would appropriate $2 million to the Public Education Department (PED)
to provide vision and hearing screening for students in kindergarten through fourth grade.
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill appropriates $2 million from the general fund to PED for expenditure in FY26. Any
unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of FY26 shall revert to the general
fund.
SUBSTANTIVE ISSUES
Vision and Hearing Screening In New Mexico. According to the New Mexico Early Childhood
Education and Care Department’s (ECECD’s) FY23 Annual Outcomes Report, prekindergarten
programs are required to ensure all children receive health, developmental, vision, hearing, and
dental screenings to identify those needing special education or support services. Additionally,
FOCUS On Young Children’s Learning, New Mexico’s Tiered Quality Rating and Improvement
System (TQRIS), provides early childhood programs with resources to enhance quality and
support children's growth, development, and learning.
The New Mexico Administrative Code (7.30.11 NMAC) outlines the requirements for vision
screening in public schools. All prekindergarten, kindergarten, first, and third grade students are
required to undergo vision screening to identify potential visual impairments early. The regulation
specifies the procedures for conducting these screenings, including the qualifications of personnel,
acceptable screening methods, and the process for notifying parents or guardians if a potential
issue is detected. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of maintaining records of the
screenings and any follow-up actions taken to ensure students receive the necessary care. Although
vision screening has been addressed in New Mexico’s Administrative Code for prekindergarten
through third grade, it does not address hearing screenings.
SB344 – Page 2
Importance of Early Vision and Hearing Screenings. Vision and hearing screenings are critical
in early childhood, as they help families and professionals understand the foundation of a child's
development of cognitive, social, and academic skills. The Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) highlights that early screening for hearing loss is vital, as even mild or moderate
impairments can hinder speech and language development, leading to literacy and academic
performance difficulties. Similarly, research shows poor visual acuity in young children is also
associated with lower reading proficiency, delayed motor development, and decreased classroom
engagement.
Detecting and addressing vision and hearing impairments early ensures students have equitable
educational opportunities and can reach their full potential. Research has consistently shown that
uncorrected vision and hearing impairments can significantly impact a child’s ability to learn,
communicate, and socialize effectively. Therefore, it is important that children have regular
screenings as they can provide numerous benefits beyond academic performance. Children who
detect vision and hearing issues early can receive the necessary interventions to prevent classroom
frustration and disengagement. When vision and hearing impairments are addressed appropriately,
students can see improved communication, confidence, and social interactions with peers and
teachers.
ADMINISTRATIVE IMPLICATIONS
PED would need to administer the appropriation and provide vision and hearing screening for
kindergarten through fourth grade students.
SOURCES OF INFORMATION
• LESC Files
• New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD)
• New Mexico Regional Education Cooperatives Association (NMRECA)
• New Mexico School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NMSBVI)
ND/mca/jkh