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VA SB685
VA SB685SOQ; communication and language accessibility for limited English proficient parents, report.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Standards of Quality; school board policies; communication and language accessibility for limited English proficient parents; requirements; report. Requires each school board to develop, implement, and post in a publicly accessible location on its website a language access plan consisting of policies and procedures designed to ensure meaningful communication with and informational accessibility for limited English proficient (LEP) parents, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill directs each school board to annually submit to the Department of Education (the Department) a report on its activities relating to satisfying the requirements set forth in the bill. Finally, the bill (i) directs the Department to annually post and maintain in a publicly accessible location on its website each such annual report submitted by a school board; (ii) permits the Department to adopt such policies and procedures as it deems necessary for monitoring and enforcing each school board's compliance with the provisions of the section; (iii) directs the Department to develop and make available to each school board by September 1, 2026, guidance on the development and implementation of language access plans in accordance with the provisions of the bill; and (iv) directs the Department to designate one or more staff members to provide direct technical assistance and compliance support to school boards in implementing the provisions of the bill by the beginning of the 2027-2028 school year. The provisions of the bill requiring each school board to develop, implement, and annually submit to the Department a report on such language access plan; directing the Department to annually post on its website each report submitted by a school board; and permitting the Department to adopt policies and procedures for monitoring and enforcing compliance with the provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill requires each school board to create and publicly post a language access plan, which includes policies and procedures to ensure that parents who have limited English proficiency (LEP parents) can communicate effectively with schools and access information about their child's education. An LEP parent is defined as a parent who is not a native English speaker or whose English proficiency is impacted by their background, to the point where it hinders their ability to participate in their child's education. The plan must cover how schools will notify LEP parents of essential information, identify their language needs, provide interpretation and translation services at no cost to the parent, translate important documents like enrollment forms and disciplinary notices, train staff on these requirements, and post information about LEP parent rights and available services. The bill also mandates that school boards report annually to the Department of Education on their efforts, and the Department will post these reports online, develop guidance for school boards, and provide technical assistance. These reporting and posting requirements, along with the Department's enforcement role, will take effect on July 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 33-N 0-A) (on 03/14/2026)
Official Document
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