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Subcommittee extends flexibility for local alternative assessments (HB 199)

House of Delegates K–12 Education Subcommittee · January 21, 2026
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Summary

HB 199 would temporarily extend local alternative growth assessments while the state finalizes new assessment contracts; the subcommittee reported the bill unanimously after wide support from school divisions and education groups.

House Bill 199, presented to the K–12 subcommittee, would extend authority for local alternative growth assessments for a limited period while statewide assessment contracts are finalized. The bill’s sponsor described it as a short, section‑1 extension to give localities time to transition to new vendor arrangements.

Supporters included Alan Siebert of Roanoke City Public Schools, who said the previous two‑year extension “has been very helpful” and praised the flexibility for restoring instructional time, and Michael Mulloy of Fairfax County Public Schools, who told the panel, “We would definitely appreciate the flexibility and hope you'll support this.” The Virginia Education Association also indicated strong support.

The subcommittee took no opposing testimony and reported the bill to the next stage on a voice/roll call, 10‑0. Committee members did not pose substantive questions during the public testimony period.