HB 2992 Oregon House · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to student vision; declaring an emergency.

Summary

] Directs [ the Department of Education and the Oregon Health Authority to jointly ] the Oregon Health Authority, in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Oregon Board of Optometry, to establish and implement a program that provides eye examinations , [ and ] prescription eyeglasses and related services to students from low-income families. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.

Issues: ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025

Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced → A-Engrossed · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to shift primary responsibility for the student vision program from a joint ODE/ODA effort to the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), with ODE and the Oregon Board of Optometry now serving in collaborative roles. The definition of eligible schools was broadened from specific federal poverty thresholds to a more general 'high rate of students experiencing poverty' as identified by ODE. Additional funding sources were added, including Children's Health Insurance Program funds, and rules were updated to allow for non-dilated eye examinations under certain conditions.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded by broadening eligibility criteria for schools and adding new funding sources, while changing the lead agency for program administration from a joint effort to OHA-led collaboration.

SCOPE

Primary responsibility for the program shifted from a joint ODE/OHA effort to OHA, with ODE and the Oregon Board of Optometry now acting in collaborative roles.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible schools were redefined from those qualifying under specific federal programs or with 50% free/reduced-price meal eligibility to any school with a 'high rate of students experiencing poverty' as identified by ODE.

FISCAL

New funding sources were added, including seeking Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) funds under Title XXI of the Social Security Act.

REQUIREMENT

Rules were updated to allow for eye examinations that do not include dilation if all other Oregon Health Plan requirements are met and parents are notified of the option for dilated exams.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'qualified student' was updated to require identification through a vision screening as defined in ORS 336.211.

Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Jun 28, 2025

Lower · Passed

In committee upon adjournment.

lower

Apr 10, 2025

Committee

Referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Apr 10, 2025

Lower · Passed

Recommendation: Do pass with amendments, be printed A-Engrossed, and be referred to Ways and Means by prior reference.

lower

Jan 17, 2025

Committee

Referred to Education with subsequent referral to Ways and Means.

lower

Jan 13, 2025

Introduced

First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.

lower

3 primary · 16 co-sponsors