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Bill > HB473
VA HB473
VA HB473Public ed.; special ed. dispute resolution system, regional special education ombudsman established.
summary
Introduced
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Public education; special education dispute resolution system; administration, organization, oversight, and training; regional special education ombudsman established. Makes several revisions and updates to the special education dispute resolution system, services, and resources in the Commonwealth, including by (i) requiring the Board of Education to prescribe procedures providing for a tiered dispute resolution system that encourages the use of mediation as an informal means of resolving disputes relating to special education and related services; (ii) expanding the duties of the State Parent Ombudsman for Special Education, including by requiring it to develop and implement an anonymous evaluation survey for individuals after contacting or using the State Parent Ombudsman for Special Education, collaborate with the Office of the Children's Ombudsman, provide certain training to its staff by a neutral, qualified expert, and provide additional support, resources, and technical assistance to the Parent Training and Information Center; (iii) expanding the duties of the Department of Education relating to the special education dispute resolution system, including requirements relating to oversight of school division complaints, the provision of neutral, qualified IEP facilitators and mediators, and the provision of training on the tiered dispute resolution system to parents, school personnel, and all special education mediators and hearing officers; and (iv) directing the Department of Education to establish four regional special education ombudsman centers for the purpose of serving as a resource for parents and school personnel on matters relating to the special education dispute resolution system and assisting with the monitoring and oversight of school division and school compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to special education dispute resolution.
AI Summary
This bill aims to enhance Virginia's special education dispute resolution system by implementing a tiered approach that prioritizes mediation, expanding the responsibilities of the State Parent Ombudsman for Special Education to include anonymous feedback collection and collaboration with the Office of the Children's Ombudsman, and increasing the training provided to its staff. The Department of Education will also see its duties broadened to include overseeing school division complaints, providing neutral facilitators and mediators for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, and offering training on the new dispute resolution system to parents, school staff, and mediators. Crucially, the bill establishes four regional special education ombudsman centers to act as resources for parents and school personnel, assist in monitoring compliance with special education laws, and provide information and training on dispute resolution processes.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Left in Committee Appropriations (on 02/18/2026)
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/HB473 |
| Education Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB473/text/HB473AH1 |
| K-12 Subcommittee Subcommittee Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB473/text/HB473AHC1 |
| Education Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB473/text/HB473AHC2 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB473) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1127528.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB473/text/HB473 |
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