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Bill > SB603
VA SB603
VA SB603School boards; policies relating to volunteer student life counseling and support services.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
School boards; policies relating to volunteer student life counseling and support services; guidelines and requirements. Permits any school board to adopt a policy permitting certain individuals or groups to provide, on a volunteer basis, student life counseling or support services, as defined in the bill, on school property after regular school hours, in accordance with the requirements in the bill. The bill (i) requires a school board to hold a public hearing to provide an opportunity for public comment on the proposed policy prior to adopting such policy and (ii) requires such policy (a) to include background and criminal records check requirements for individuals volunteering to provide such support services; (b) to require written parental consent before any minor student participates in or receives such support services; and (c) to require any approved individual or group to include on materials provided to students and parents information a parent or student may need in order to provide full and informed consent.
AI Summary
This bill allows school boards to create policies that permit approved individuals or groups to offer volunteer student life counseling and support services on school grounds after regular school hours. These services are defined as guidance and support for social, emotional, mental, personal, or interpersonal issues, but not academic advice. Before adopting such a policy, school boards must hold a public hearing to gather input. Any adopted policy must include requirements for background and criminal records checks for volunteers, ensuring they haven't been convicted of certain crimes or found to have abused children. Additionally, written parental consent is mandatory before any student under 18 can receive these services, and approved volunteers must provide clear information on their materials about their affiliation and what parents or students need to know for informed consent. Finally, school boards must annually notify parents about the availability of these services and provide a list of approved volunteers.
Committee Categories
Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Education (on 02/20/2026)
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/SB603 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB603) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1093661.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB603/text/SB603 |
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