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Bill > HB595
VA HB595
VA HB595Graduation with an advanced studies diploma; requirements, complet. of Int'l Baccalaureate diploma.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/19/2026
02/19/2026
Crossed Over
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Passed
03/02/2026
03/02/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Board of Education; high school graduation; simultaneous completion of International Baccalaureate diploma and advanced studies diploma. Requires the Board of Education to permit any student who (i) during or after grade 10, transferred into a public high school in the Commonwealth and (ii) is simultaneously pursuing an advanced studies diploma and an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma to complete certain courses or sequences of courses required for an IB diploma, as approved by the Board, including substitutes for the Virginia and U.S. history and government courses and for the economics and personal finance credit requirement. The bill also directs the Board to grant a waiver from the training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators required for graduation to any student who (a) pursuant to his individualized education program or Section 504 Plan cannot successfully complete the training or (b) after grade 10, transfers from a school or other education program that does not require or give credit for such training. This bill incorporates HB 132 and is identical to SB 63.
AI Summary
This bill allows students pursuing both an advanced studies diploma and an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma to substitute certain IB courses for specific Virginia history, government, economics, and personal finance requirements, provided the Board of Education approves these substitutions. It also grants waivers from the required training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for students who cannot complete the training due to their individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan, or for students who transfer into a Virginia public high school after 10th grade from a program that doesn't require or offer credit for such training. The IB diploma is a rigorous, internationally recognized program that offers challenging coursework and examinations. The advanced studies diploma is a high school diploma option in Virginia that requires a specific set of courses and credits. This bill aims to streamline the graduation process for students undertaking both demanding programs.
Committee Categories
Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026 (on 03/10/2026)
Official Document
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