Budget Amendment ID: FY2027-S4-421

EHS 421

Private Student Vision Testing

Mr. Moore moved that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section __ the following section:-

SECTION __. Chapter 29 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2024 Official Edition, is hereby amended by inserting the following section:-

“Section 2GGGGGGG. (a) There is hereby established and set up on the books of the commonwealth a separate, non-budgeted special revenue fund known as the Private School Children’s Vision Testing Fund established to be used by private schools and independent schools to assist with vision testing operations required by Section 57 of Chapter 71 of the General Laws.  The fund shall be administered by the commissioner of public health.

(b) There shall be credited to the fund: (i) revenue from appropriations and other money authorized by the general court and specifically designated to be credited to the fund; (ii) funds from public and private sources such as gifts, grants and donations; and (iii) interest earned on money in the fund. Amounts credited to the fund shall be expended without further appropriation. No expenditure made from the fund shall cause the fund to be in deficit at any point. Any money remaining in the fund at the end of a fiscal year shall not revert to the General Fund.

(c) Funds shall be made available to provide grants to support vision testing operations by private schools in the commonwealth.”