2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104766D

HOUSE BILL NO. 957

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 Department of Education; anonymous student bullying tip line established.

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Patrons—Guzman, Thornton, Clark, Cole, J.G., Franklin, M.A., Henson, Pope Adams, Schmidt and Shin

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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. Department; anonymous student bullying tip line.

A. The Department shall develop or adopt and make available to each public elementary or secondary school student in the Commonwealth an anonymous student bullying tip line that consists of an online platform and a toll-free telephone number that any such student can use to make an anonymous report of an incident involving the bullying or cyberbullying of a public elementary or secondary school student and from which qualified and trained employees or contractors of the Department can analyze reports and communicate with such individuals or entities as they deem appropriate to support the student victim.

B. The Department shall be the custodian of all information gathered pursuant to the anonymous student bullying tip line but may disclose such information in accordance with the provisions of subsection A.

C. The tip line established pursuant to subsection A shall supplement and not supplant any other tool or method for addressing student bullying and cyberbullying.