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Subcommittee reports bill to create transition IEP guidance for K–12 teams

House Subcommittee on Higher Education · February 3, 2026

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Summary

The House higher education subcommittee voted 6–2 to report House Bill 4 68, a substitute directing SHEV to work with the Department of Education and post transition IEP guidelines to help K–12 teams make graduation plans that better prepare students with disabilities for college or inclusive post‑secondary programs.

The subcommittee voted to report House Bill 4 68 as amended after hearing support from higher education and disability advocates and a lone critic who urged enforcing existing plans.

Delegate Cohen, the bill patron, said the substitute is guidance, not a mandate: "This is meant to be a tool," she told the panel, describing the measure as a way for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SHEV) to work with the Department of Education and public institutions to develop transition IEP guidelines for teams making graduating students’ IEPs more applicable to college or inclusive post‑secondary education. Representatives from SHEV and the Board for People with Disabilities testified in support, citing gaps in transition planning and the value of a model guide to improve consistency and IDEA compliance. Dr. Candace Lucas testified in opposition, arguing that existing academic and career planning tools should be enforced before issuing new guidance.

After testimony the committee moved to report the bill with amendments; the clerk recorded the roll and the bill "reports on a vote of 6 to 2". The subcommittee’s action sends the amended measure forward for further consideration.