2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26102265D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1037

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-212.1:3, relating to Board of Education; instructional materials on climate change and environmental literacy; model policies and procedures for selection.

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Patrons—Carr, Bennett-Parker, Cole, N.T., Glass, Laufer, Maldonado, Shin, Sullivan and Tran

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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 22.1-212.1:3 as follows:

§ 22.1-212.1:3. Board; instructional materials on climate change and environmental literacy; model policies and procedures for selection.

A. The Board shall make available to each local school board instructional materials on climate change and environmental literacy that are based on and include peer-reviewed scientific sources.

B. The Board shall develop, adopt, and make available to each local school board model policies and procedures, based on peer-reviewed scientific sources, pertaining to the selection of instructional materials on climate change and environmental literacy, including a requirement for any such selected material to accurately portray changes in weather and climate patterns over time, the impacts of human activity on changes in weather and climate patterns, and the effects of climate change on people and resources.