2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104005D

HOUSE BILL NO. 894

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-279.6:1, relating to private elementary and secondary schools; student codes of conduct; policies relating to bullying and cyberbullying prevention and parental notification; requirements.

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Patrons—Sullivan, Cole, J.G., Guzman, Price and Thornton

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Referred to Committee on Education

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-279.6:1 as follows:

§ 22.1-279.6:1. Private elementary and secondary schools; codes of student conduct; bullying prevention and intervention; requirements.

A. Each principal, headmaster, or other chief administrator of each private elementary or secondary school in the Commonwealth shall include in such school's policies for codes of student conduct procedures for addressing and handling instances of bullying and cyberbullying. Such policies and procedures shall (i) be consistent with applicable state, federal, and case laws; (ii) include policies and procedures relating to ensuring school personnel are trained in or informed of the appropriate management of student conduct and student offenses that violation school policies; and (iii) include policies designed to reduce bias and harassment in the enforcement of any code of student conduct. Such policies may be developed in accordance with the guidelines and model policies established by the Board pursuant to subsection A of § 22.1-279.6.

B. Each principal, headmaster, or other chief administrator of each private elementary or secondary school in the Commonwealth shall include in such school's code of student conduct policies and procedures that include a prohibition against bullying. Such policies and procedures shall (i) direct the principal, headmaster, or other chief administrator of the private elementary or secondary school or his designee to provide written notification to the parent of any student involved in an alleged incident of bullying within 24 hours of learning of the allegation of bullying; (ii) include prohibitions against and procedures for addressing instances of cyberbullying that occur between students enrolled in such school; (iii) provide protections designed to ensure that any student who is a victim of or a witness to an instance of bullying or cyberbullying is not deterred from reporting or seeking support for such instance of bullying or cyberbullying by fears of retaliation, social alienation or rejection, or other negative treatment; (iv) include a list of support services and resources available through each such school to any student who is a victim of bullying or cyberbullying relating to reporting and seeking support after experiencing an instance of bullying or cyberbullying, including mental health support services and any information necessary to access any such support services and resources; and (v) include prohibitions against hazing, as that term is defined in § 18.2-56.