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Panel advances bill to codify language‑access requirements for English learners
SB685 would codify previous federal guidance on language access (translations of vital documents, interpretation, staff training) after federal guidance was rescinded; advocates and many school districts testified in support. Committee recommended reporting 4–2 after resolving several technical amendments and discussing potential costs.
Subcommittee moves to codify key IDEA protections into Virginia law, with trigger for federal changes
SB678 would codify many provisions of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) into state law and add contingency triggers and appropriation requirements for enforcement provisions. The committee recommended reporting as amended (3–0 with two abstentions) after stakeholder negotiations and technical amendments.
Subcommittee endorses bill to protect immigrant students’ privacy and set school warrant procedures, amid concerns about private lawsuits
SB491 would codify student privacy protections and restrict school disclosures of immigration status, require warrant review procedures, and provide a private right of action for violations. Civil‑rights groups supported the bill; some school systems asked for tighter private‑action language. The committee voted to recommend reporting 4–2.
Subcommittee advances 'Charlie’s Law' to require anti‑bullying policies in private schools
After moving personal testimony from the family of a teen who died by suicide, the subcommittee recommended reporting SB341 (private‑school anti‑bullying measures) by a 5–0 vote. Sponsor described model policies, parent notification and staff training to protect students across K–12 private settings.
Senate subcommittee hears competing testimony on bills limiting transgender students’ access to sports and school facilities
The Senate Education subcommittee heard hours of testimony on several related bills (SB703, SB560, SB561) that would restrict athletic participation or require separate facilities by biological sex. Supporters cited fairness and safety; civil‑rights and education groups said the measures stigmatize and exclude transgender students. The panel ultimately moved to pass the bills by indefinitely (3–2 votes), blocking further advancement in this committee.
Panel backs substitute allowing IB Diploma to substitute for Virginia Advanced Studies requirements for transfers
The subcommittee approved a substitute to let certain International Baccalaureate diploma requirements count toward Virginia's Advanced Studies diploma for students transferring after grade 10 or who are exempt for IEP/504 reasons. The substitute was approved and recommended to report as amended (vote recorded 4–0 with one abstention).