Virginia Senate approves bill clarifying parental notification for explicit school materials
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Summary
The Senate voted 21–18 to pass Senate Bill 19, which sponsors say clarifies code language on parental notification for ******** explicit instructional material to prevent misuse of the law as a tool for removing library and classroom books.
The Virginia Senate on Tuesday passed Senate Bill 19, a measure the bill—acker described as clarifying state code on parental notification of ******** explicit educational material in public schools.
Speaking to the chamber, the senator from Hampton said the bill does not remove or weaken schools' responsibility to notify parents and was crafted after a JLARC study found some school divisions had "misconstrued this code section, citing it as legal justification to censor and ban books." The sponsor cited examples of titles reportedly removed in some districts since 2020, including The Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Handmaid's Tale and several works by Toni Morrison.
"Misapplication of this code section as a tool for censorship is not an appropriate legal avenue," the sponsor said and urged passage.
Supporters said the bill preserves parental notice while preventing overbroad interpretation that led some divisions to remove dozens of titles. The sponsor noted that 88% of public school divisions already have formal book-challenge or removal policies.
Opponents did not dispute the need for clear rules but raised concerns that the measure could have unforeseen effects on library processes; the Senate recorded a 21–18 vote in favor and SB 19 passed on third reading.
The measure was taken up as part of the regular calendar and will proceed to whatever enrollment and final steps are required under the legislative process before heading to the governor.
Votes at a glance: SB 19 — Motion to pass carried, Ayes 21, Noes 18.
Provenance: Topic introduced at SEG 421 and final floor action recorded at SEG 487–489.