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VA SB563

VA SB563
Public elementary and secondary schools; parent's right to opt children out of certain ed. content.


summary

Introduced
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Parents of public elementary and secondary school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain educational content. Provides that parents of public elementary and secondary school children have the fundamental right to opt their children out, without penalty, of any instruction, reading, discussion, presentation, including any audio-visual presentation, school assembly, or activity that includes any gender identity, sexual orientation, transgenderism, or drag show theme or content, and the elementary or secondary school shall make reasonable accommodations during such opt-out period. The bill also requires any public secondary school student who is 18 years of age or older to, by request of such student, opt-out, without penalty, of any such instruction, reading discussion, presentation, including any audio-visual presentation, school assembly, or activity, and requires the secondary school to make reasonable accommodations during such opt-out period.

AI Summary

This bill establishes a fundamental right for parents of public elementary and secondary school children to opt their children out of any educational content or activity that addresses gender identity, sexual orientation, transgenderism, or drag shows, without penalty, and requires schools to make reasonable accommodations during this opt-out period. Additionally, any public secondary school student who is 18 years or older can also request to opt out of such content or activities without penalty, with schools similarly obligated to provide reasonable accommodations. This provision is framed as consistent with existing state law and the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment, which protects individuals' right to practice their religion freely.

Committee Categories

Education, Health and Social Services

Sponsors (2)

Last Action

Passed by indefinitely in Education and Health (9-Y 4-N) (on 02/12/2026)

bill text


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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB563
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB563) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1094419.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB563/text/SB563
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