VirginiaHB1952026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Programs for at-risk students; permissible uses of funding.

Sponsored By: Delores L. McQuinn (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Programs for at-risk students; permissible uses of funding. Includes as covered programs that are eligible for funding under the At-Risk Program initiatives to support both the physical and mental health of students in public schools, including the hiring of licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses. This bill is a recommendation of the School Health Services Committee and is identical to SB 33.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Block grants for at-risk student support

The state creates an at‑risk block grant for local school divisions. Money covers programs like dropout prevention, English learning, AVID, homework help, and school‑based health services. Funds may also support other efforts that prevent educational failure. Block grant amounts match what the state budget provides. Funds cannot be used to pay a student’s college expenses.

Bonuses to recruit middle school teachers and turnaround staff

Local boards use state programs to recruit middle school teachers in critical‑need subjects and school turnaround specialists. Eligible middle school teachers are licensed, teach grades 6–8 in a critical‑need subject set by the Department, and have contracts that state service in the teacher corps. Boards may offer higher pay, relocation help, bonuses, and better retirement or deferred compensation options. The Department of Education administers these programs.

More classroom technology and device donations

School divisions can get grants to expand classroom technology and training, including career and technical programs. To accept funds, local boards must match money based on the composite index and have a Superintendent‑approved tech plan. Top priorities include wiring and upgrades, classroom devices toward a five‑to‑one student‑to‑computer goal, calculators and probes, and staff training. When funded, each elementary school has a technology resource assistant, and the state coordinates master purchase contracts to cut prices. When equipment is replaced with appropriated funds, boards may donate obsolete devices to other divisions, preschools, or eligible students under Board rules with parent notice and reporting.

More elementary teachers and reading help

From budgeted funds, school boards may hire extra elementary classroom, remedial, and reading teachers beyond state minimums. The state and local shares follow the appropriation act. These hires happen only when the budget includes this money.

Smaller K-3 classes at at-risk schools

The law funds smaller classes in kindergarten through grade 3 at schools with high or moderate at‑risk enrollment. The state pays the extra cost using the greater of the division average across all divisions or the division’s own per‑pupil cost. Localities must match funds based on their composite index of ability to pay. Divisions must opt in by August 1 each year and send proof by March 31. The Board includes this funding in the biennial and annual education budgets.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Delores L. McQuinn

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 261 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/19/2026

Reported from Education and Health and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote 2/13/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 96 • No: 0

House vote 2/9/2026

Reported from Appropriations

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote 2/9/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 7 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote 2/4/2026

Reported from Education with amendment(s) and referred to Appropriations

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 2/3/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) and referring to Appropriations

Yes: 10 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0049)

    4/2/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 49 (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 (HB195)

    3/4/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB195ER)

    3/4/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/4/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/4/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/4/2026House
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    2/27/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/26/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/26/2026Senate
  15. Reported from Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)

    2/25/2026Senate
  16. Reported from Education and Health and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N)

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

    2/16/2026Senate
  18. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/16/2026Senate
  19. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/13/2026House
  20. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB195)

    2/13/2026House
  21. Engrossed by House as amended

    2/12/2026House
  22. committee amendments agreed to

    2/12/2026House
  23. Read second time

    2/12/2026House
  24. Read first time

    2/11/2026House
  25. Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 0-N)

    2/9/2026House

Bill Text

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