VirginiaSB4272026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

High school graduation requirements; history and social studies credits.

Sponsored By: Lamont Bagby (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 HB 182.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

More diploma paths for disabled students

The law creates clear ways for students with disabilities to earn a standard diploma through IEP credit accommodations. Schools must have a process to award locally verified credits and IEP teams must review these options. Students who finish their IEP but not a named diploma can earn an Applied Studies diploma. The Department gives families multilingual guidance on diploma choices and risks. If a student with an IEP does not meet graduation rules, schools must notify parents about free public education through age 21.

Updated high school graduation paths and rules

The Board sets a Profile of a Virginia Graduate and allows multiple paths, like internships and industry credentials. Students must take at least one arts or CTE course, one U.S. and Virginia history, and two sequential electives in a concentration. Students must also finish one of three options: a college‑level course (AP, honors, IB, or dual enrollment), a high‑quality work‑based learning experience, or a Board‑approved CTE credential; exceptions apply when a credential is not available or appropriate. Students must get first aid/CPR/AED training and complete one virtual course; schools can grant credit by mastery with a passing SOL and accept approved industry certifications for credit. Schools must award diplomas when state and approved local rules are met, support transfers, allow Virtual Virginia, give reasonable disability accommodations, and notify English learners about testing accommodations from the state’s catalog.

Graduation rate rules for accreditation

The Board publishes statewide graduation and dropout rates using its formula. It also publishes rates that exclude students who failed to graduate because they were in custody. The exclusionary rate is used for school accreditation.

Adult path to a high school diploma

The Board sets rules for an adult high school diploma for people not required to attend school. You can qualify by passing a Board‑approved high school equivalency exam, finishing a Board‑designated education and training program, or earning a Board‑approved CTE credential, plus any other Board rules.

African American history counts for credit

Students can take African American History or AP African American Studies instead of World History I or World Geography, if the course is offered. They must pass a local alternative test or a Board‑approved equivalent. If they make this swap, they do not need a verified credit in World History I or World Geography to graduate.

Diploma seals for extra achievement

The Board sets rules for diploma seals that honor strong work in CTE, STEM, civic education, and biliteracy. Students who meet the criteria and earn a Board‑approved diploma can add these seals to their transcript.

Local rules for class rankings

Local school boards can set how class rank is calculated. They may adjust rankings when a student retakes a required course and the old grade was expunged. This can help ranking reflect current performance.

Parent notices and backup graduation options

Schools must tell parents of rising 11th and 12th graders the state’s rules and which credits the student still needs. If a student finishes a local program but not a state diploma, the school must award a certificate of program completion. If a student under 20 does not graduate, the school must notify parents about the right to free public education, with ELL notices given under state ELL rules.

Computer science can replace language credits

English learners with a qualifying AP/IB foreign language or SAT II score can swap computer science for world language credit. Students seeking an advanced diploma may swap two computer science credits for two world language credits if their IEP allows it. Counselors must tell families this swap may affect college admissions.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lamont Bagby

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 172 • No: 77

Senate vote 3/10/2026

House substitute agreed to by Senate

Yes: 23 • No: 17

House vote 3/9/2026

Passed House with substitute

Yes: 62 • No: 35

House vote 3/4/2026

Reported from Education with substitute

Yes: 14 • No: 7

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 23 • No: 16

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Education and Health Amendment agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/30/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/30/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/29/2026

Reported from Education and Health with amendment

Yes: 12 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0346)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 346 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB427)

    3/31/2026Senate
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026Senate
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB427ER)

    3/30/2026Senate
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026Senate
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. House substitute agreed to by Senate (23-Y 17-N 0-A)

    3/10/2026Senate
  11. Passed House with substitute (62-Y 35-N 0-A)

    3/9/2026House
  12. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    3/9/2026House
  13. committee substitute agreed to

    3/9/2026House
  14. Read third time

    3/9/2026House
  15. Read second time

    3/6/2026House
  16. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB427)

    3/5/2026Senate
  17. Committee substitute printed 26108310D-H1

    3/4/2026House
  18. Reported from Education with substitute (14-Y 7-N)

    3/4/2026House
  19. House committee offered

    3/4/2026House
  20. Referred to Committee on Education

    2/9/2026House
  21. Read first time

    2/9/2026House
  22. Placed on Calendar

    2/9/2026House
  23. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB427)

    2/4/2026Senate
  24. Read third time and passed Senate (23-Y 16-N 0-A)

    2/3/2026Senate
  25. Education and Health Amendment agreed to

    2/2/2026Senate

Bill Text

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