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Bill > HB471
VA HB471
VA HB471Higher ed. institutions, public; financial aid for students with intellectual disabilities, etc.
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Public institutions of higher education; financial aid and assistance; transition and postsecondary programs for students with intellectual disabilities; eligibility for state-supported financial aid programs. Extends eligibility for any state-supported financial aid program or other higher education program to any individual who (i) is enrolled in an eligible transition and postsecondary education program, defined by the bill as any program offered by a public institution of higher education in the Commonwealth to students with intellectual disabilities attending such institution that meets the criteria for and is federally designated as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program; (ii) is a student with an intellectual disability, as defined by the bill; and (iii) meets the other eligibility requirements for such program, except for certain enumerated eligibility requirements from which the bill exempts such individuals or for which the bill directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to establish alternative, equivalent standards for students with intellectual disabilities.
AI Summary
This bill expands eligibility for state-supported financial aid and other higher education programs to include students with intellectual disabilities who are enrolled in specific postsecondary programs. An "eligible transition and postsecondary education program" is defined as a program offered by a public college or university in Virginia that is federally recognized as a comprehensive transition and postsecondary program, designed to help students with intellectual disabilities gain academic, career, and independent living skills to prepare for employment. A "student with an intellectual disability" is defined as someone with significant limitations in intellectual and adaptive functioning who was or is eligible for special education services under federal law. The bill clarifies that these students will be eligible if they meet the program's requirements, with specific exemptions from needing a degree, certificate, high school diploma, or equivalency certificate, and directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to create alternative academic standards for them.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Stricken from docket by Appropriations (22-Y 0-N) (on 02/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB471 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB471) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1096467.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB471/text/HB471 |
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