VirginiaHB1712026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Student instruction; Internet safety, policy to include key modern digital safety topics.

Sponsored By: Alex Q. Askew (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Student instruction; internet safety; certain topics. Requires the internet safety component that is integrated into each school division's instructional program as required by its acceptable internet use policy to include instruction on key modern digital safety topics, including online scams, misinformation, and content generated by artificial intelligence.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Filtering rules for some private schools

Private schools that meet compulsory attendance and accept federal funds for internet access must filter child pornography and obscene content on school computers. This rule applies only to those qualifying private schools. It aims to reduce student exposure to illegal explicit content.

Review and post internet policies

Every two years, each school board reviews and approves the division’s internet use policy. Each division must post the policy on its website. Divisions must also certify each year to the state Department of Education that they follow these rules.

Teach modern internet safety in class

School divisions must teach internet safety as part of regular classes. Lessons must cover online scams, misinformation, and AI-generated content. The Superintendent of Public Instruction issues guidelines to help divisions teach these topics.

Stronger school internet safety rules

School divisions must ban using school computers to send, view, or download illegal material. They must block child pornography and obscene content and work to prevent access to material harmful to juveniles. Each policy must state what happens if someone breaks the rules. The division superintendent must carry out and enforce the policy.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Alex Q. Askew

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 192 • No: 31

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Reported from Education and Health

Yes: 15 • No: 0

House vote 1/27/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 75 • No: 24

House vote 1/21/2026

Reported from Education

Yes: 16 • No: 6

House vote 1/20/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 9 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0048)

    4/2/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 48 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/2/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB171)

    3/6/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB171ER)

    3/6/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/6/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/6/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/6/2026House
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    3/2/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/27/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/27/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Education and Health (15-Y 0-N)

    2/26/2026Senate
  16. Assigned Education sub: Public Education

    2/19/2026Senate
  17. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB171)

    1/29/2026House
  18. Referred to Committee on Education and Health

    1/28/2026Senate
  19. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/28/2026Senate
  20. Read third time and passed House (75-Y 24-N 0-A)

    1/27/2026House
  21. Read second time and engrossed

    1/26/2026House
  22. Read first time

    1/23/2026House
  23. Reported from Education (16-Y 6-N)

    1/21/2026House
  24. Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 1-N)

    1/20/2026House
  25. Assigned HED sub: K-12 Subcommittee

    1/19/2026House

Bill Text

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