VirginiaSB332026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

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

Sponsored By: Barbara A. Favola (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 HB 195.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Bonuses to attract key school staff

Local boards can hire turnaround specialists and set up a middle school teacher corps in critical-need subjects for grades 6–8. Boards may offer higher pay, relocation help, bonuses, and improved retirement or deferred compensation under state law. Teacher corps contracts must state service in the corps. The Department of Education runs these programs.

More classroom technology and training

The state awards grants to expand classroom technology and teacher training. Priorities include a tech assistant for every elementary school, one network-ready computer per classroom, and a 5-to-1 student-to-computer ratio, plus calculators, probes, and up-to-date career and technical tools. Divisions that accept certain funds provide a local match based on ability to pay and must have a Superintendent-approved tech plan. The state coordinates master purchase contracts and a replacement program; old equipment may be donated under Board rules with parent notice.

More elementary teachers and specialists

Local school boards may hire extra classroom teachers, remedial teachers, and reading specialists beyond state minimums. These hires happen only when the legislature provides money for this purpose. State and local shares are set in the appropriation act.

Smaller K-3 classes in at-risk schools

The law funds a voluntary program to lower K–3 class sizes in schools with many at-risk students. The state covers the extra cost using a set formula, and localities provide a matching share based on ability to pay. School divisions must tell the state by August 1 each year if they will take part and report compliance data by March 31.

Flexible grants for at-risk students

The state combines several supports into one at-risk block grant for local school divisions. Funds can back dropout prevention, English learner services (including overage nonschooled students), AVID, homework help, and school or community health centers, including hiring nurses. The grant equals the amounts the legislature sets for those covered programs. It does not allow using Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program funds to pay any college expenses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Barbara A. Favola

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 327 • No: 0

House vote 3/2/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 99 • No: 0

House vote 3/2/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote 2/25/2026

Reported from Education

Yes: 22 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/13/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/12/2026

Finance and Appropriations Amendment agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/10/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations with amendments

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Reported from Education and Health and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 14 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0050)

    4/2/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 50 (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

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB33)

    3/5/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB33ER)

    3/5/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/5/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/5/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/5/2026House
  10. Passed House Block Vote (99-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026House
  11. Reconsideration of passage agreed to by House

    3/2/2026House
  12. Passed House Block Vote (98-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026House
  13. Read third time

    3/2/2026House
  14. Read second time

    2/27/2026House
  15. Reported from Education (22-Y 0-N)

    2/25/2026House
  16. Referred to Committee on Education

    2/18/2026House
  17. Read first time

    2/18/2026House
  18. Placed on Calendar

    2/18/2026House
  19. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB33)

    2/13/2026Senate
  20. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/13/2026Senate
  21. Finance and Appropriations Amendment agreed to

    2/12/2026Senate
  22. Engrossed by Senate as amended Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/12/2026Senate
  23. Read second time

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

    2/11/2026Senate
  25. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/11/2026Senate

Bill Text

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