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VA HB428
VA HB428High school graduation requirements; alternative pathway to standard diploma established, report.
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
High school graduation requirements; alternative pathway to standard diploma established; report. Requires the Board of Education to (i) establish pursuant to regulation an alternative pathway to the standard diploma for any student with a disability whose individualized education program indicates that the student demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve the standard diploma but requires significant instructional, course sequencing, or assessment accommodations or modifications in order to do so and (ii) take all steps necessary to ensure that such pathway and the Applied Studies diploma are, to the maximum extent practicable, treated as a standard diploma for the purpose of eligibility for enrollment at an institution of higher education in the Commonwealth, eligibility for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and federal financial aid programs, consideration for military service enlistment opportunities, and consideration for state employment opportunities that require a standard diploma. The bill requires the Department of Education to report annually to the Governor and the General Assembly on the implementation of such alternative pathway to the standard diploma, including the number of students utilizing such alternative pathway and the postsecondary outcomes of such students.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a new alternative pathway for students with disabilities to earn a standard high school diploma. The Board of Education will create regulations for this pathway, which will be available to students whose individualized education program (IEP) indicates they have the necessary knowledge and skills but require significant accommodations or modifications in instruction, course sequencing, or assessments to demonstrate them. The bill also mandates that this alternative pathway, along with the existing Applied Studies diploma, be treated as a standard diploma to the greatest extent possible for purposes like college admissions, federal financial aid (including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA), military enlistment, and state employment. Furthermore, the Department of Education will be required to report annually on the implementation of this new pathway, including data on student participation and postsecondary outcomes.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Continued to next session in Education (Voice Vote) (on 02/04/2026)
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/HB428 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB428) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1108580.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB428/text/HB428 |
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