VirginiaHB1822026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

High school graduation requirements; history and social studies credits.

Sponsored By: David A. Reid (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

High school graduation requirements; history and social studies credits; certain substitutions permitted. Requires the Board of Education, in establishing high school graduation requirements, to permit any student to substitute the African American History course or the Advanced Placement African American Studies course for the World History I course or the World Geography course for the purpose of satisfying the history and social studies credit requirements, provided that (i) such a course is available to the student and (ii) the student is required to complete and receive a passing score on an applicable local alternative assessment or an equivalent Board-approved assessment, in order to satisfy history and social studies credit requirements for graduation. The bill directs the Board of Education to amend its regulations in accordance with the provisions of the bill and to ensure that no student who makes such a substitution is required to earn a verified credit for the World History I or World Geography course in order to graduate. This bill is identical to SB 427.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Diplomas, transfers, and completion certificates

Local school boards must award diplomas to students who meet state and approved local requirements. Schools must help students who transfer from other public schools, nonpublic schools, or home instruction with placement, and Virtual Virginia can be used to finish required courses. Schools must make reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. If a student finishes a local course of study but cannot get a Board-approved diploma, the board must issue a certificate of program completion.

More diploma options for students with disabilities

Students with disabilities can earn a standard diploma by using IEP credit accommodations, like alternate courses, locally awarded verified credits, extra tests, adjusted cut scores, or work-based learning. If they meet IEP goals but not a named diploma, they receive an Applied Studies diploma. The Board set statewide Applied Studies rules starting with the 2022–2023 school year. Local boards must have a process to award locally verified credits, and IEP teams must consider these options and share state guidance at yearly IEP meetings in grades 3–12. If a student with an IEP does not meet graduation rules, the school must tell parents that the student can get free appropriate public education through age 21.

Faster credit through mastery and tests

The state approves integrated classes that meet Standards of Learning (SOL) and count for graduation. If an elective includes the SOL for a required course and the student passes the SOL test, the student gets credit for that required course. Qualified students, with the superintendent’s recommendation, can earn credit without the 140 class hours by showing mastery and passing the related SOL.

More paths to college or careers

The Board creates several college and career pathways that include internships, externships, and chances to earn job credentials. Students must meet a senior-year readiness rule by taking AP, honors, IB, or dual enrollment; finishing high-quality work-based learning; or earning a Board-approved CTE credential (the biliteracy seal can count). If no suitable credential exists for a subject, students receive competency-based instruction instead. Passing approved industry certifications or licensure exams can earn high school credit. The state also sets a Profile of a Virginia Graduate and focuses on core skills early in high school.

Parents get clear graduation updates

Parents of rising 11th and 12th graders must be told all graduation requirements and what their student still needs. If a student is under 20 on August 1 of the school year and fails to graduate, the school must tell the parent that the student has a right to free public education.

Testing help for English learners

The state keeps a list of testing accommodations for English learners for every certification and exam tied to career or credentials. High school principals must tell each English learner about these accommodations before the student takes any required test.

One required online course to graduate

Students must complete one virtual course to graduate. The course may be noncredit-bearing.

How retaken classes count in rank

Local school boards may set class-rank rules that consider when a student retakes a required class and whether a prior grade was expunged.

More required courses and CPR training

Students must finish at least one fine or performing arts or CTE course, one U.S. and Virginia history course, and two sequential electives in a focus area. Students must also complete hands-on first aid, CPR, and AED training.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • David A. Reid

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 220 • No: 98

House vote 2/25/2026

Senate substitute agreed to by House

Yes: 65 • No: 32

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Education and Health Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 22 • No: 16

Senate vote 2/20/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/20/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/19/2026

Reported from Education and Health with substitute

Yes: 9 • No: 6

House vote 2/3/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 63 • No: 34

House vote 1/28/2026

Reported from Education with substitute

Yes: 14 • No: 7

House vote 1/27/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 7 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0789)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 789 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  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 (HB182)

    3/2/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB182ER)

    3/2/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/2/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/2/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/2/2026House
  10. Senate substitute agreed to by House (65-Y 32-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026House
  11. Passed Senate with substitute (22-Y 16-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026Senate
  12. Education and Health Substitute agreed to

    2/23/2026Senate
  13. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute

    2/23/2026Senate
  14. Read third time

    2/23/2026Senate
  15. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/20/2026Senate
  16. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/20/2026Senate
  17. Rules suspended

    2/20/2026Senate
  18. Committee substitute printed 26108217D-S1

    2/19/2026Senate
  19. Senate committee offered

    2/19/2026Senate
  20. Senate committee offered

    2/19/2026Senate
  21. Reported from Education and Health with substitute (9-Y 6-N)

    2/19/2026Senate
  22. Referred to Committee on Education and Health

    2/4/2026Senate
  23. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/4/2026Senate
  24. Read third time and passed House (63-Y 34-N 0-A)

    2/3/2026House
  25. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/2/2026House

Bill Text

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