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VA SB245

VA SB245
School boards; use of social media by schools, etc.

summary

Introduced
01/12/2026
In Committee
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
03/04/2026
Passed
03/10/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

School boards; use of social media platforms as sole means of certain communications prohibited. Provides that each school board shall prohibit public elementary and secondary schools, school board employees, and school volunteers from using a social media platform as the sole means of communication with students for the facilitation of school-related extracurricular activities. The bill clarifies that the foregoing prohibition shall not be construed to prohibit the use of school division-approved communication or messaging applications. The bill provides an exception to such prohibition when such use is required to meet an objective that cannot be reasonably achieved without such use, provided that the division superintendent or his designee (i) provides clear, written instructions on such use and (ii) may revoke such exception at any time.

AI Summary

This bill requires school boards to prohibit public elementary and secondary schools, their employees, and volunteers from using a social media platform as the *sole* way to communicate with students about school-related extracurricular activities, which are defined as activities outside of regular academic instruction. This means schools must have at least one other method of communication besides social media for these activities. However, an exception is allowed if a division superintendent or their representative grants written permission, provided clear written instructions are given and the exception can be revoked at any time, but only if using a social media platform is necessary to achieve a goal that can't be met otherwise.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Signed by President (on 03/10/2026)

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB245) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1203938.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245ER
House Amendments https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245EDOC
Education Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245AH1
Education Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245AHC1
K-12 Subcommittee Subcommittee Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245AHC2
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB245) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1148575.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245SC1
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245S1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB245) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1139656.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB245/text/SB245
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