Virginia 2026 Education Bills

Virginia 2026 Education Bills — Education-related legislation introduced by Virginia Democrats.

Bills

  • HB138: Mandates the hiring of a new "Career Coach" position in every single public school
  • HB355: Mandates "mental health screenings" for all public school students between 6th and 12th grade
  • HB359: Drastically curtails home school and private school independence from the Virginia Department of Education
  • HB382: Raises the salaries of school board chairs and vice-chairs
  • HB912: Free public school education for illegal aliens
  • HB287: Allows out-of-state Indian tribe members to receive in-state tuition
  • SB147: Lets students graduate high school despite failing grades
  • SB167: Eliminates nearly all academic benchmarks for college students to continue receiving financial aid
  • HB333: Enshrines a narrative about January 6 and teaches it in public schools

Legislative Status (as of Feb 18, 2026)

  • HB138: Career coach requirement in schools — ❌ Failed | Patron: Shelly A. Simonds
  • HB355: Annual mental health screenings — ✅ Passed House (in Senate) | Patron: Debra D. Gardner
  • HB359: Private elementary/secondary school funding restrictions — ⏸️ Continued to 2027 Session | Patron: Dan I. Helmer
  • HB333: Public schools; courses including Japanese American incarceration — 🔄 In Committee | Patron: Dan I. Helmer
  • HB382: School board chairmen annual salary — ✅ Passed House (in Senate) | Patron: Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker
  • HB334: Local sales tax for schools — ✅ Passed House (in Senate) | Patron: Sam Rasoul

Sources