2026 SESSION

HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

26106181D

HOUSE BILL NO. 362

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the House Committee on Education

on ________________)

(Patron Prior to Substitute—Delegate Dougherty)

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-243.1, relating to Printed Textbook Pilot Program established.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-243.1, as follows:

§ 22.1-243.1. Printed Textbook Pilot Program established.

A. The Printed Textbook Pilot Program (the Pilot Program) is hereby established for the purpose of promoting positive educational outcomes by identifying school divisions in which, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, printed textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials serve as the primary curriculum basis for each enrolled student unless otherwise indicated in a student's individualized education program.

B. The Department shall administer the Pilot Program by selecting, on a competitive basis, up to 10 school divisions for participation in the Pilot Program. In selecting participating school divisions, the Department may consider such factors as school and school division performance, enrollment and student demographics, including the percentage of economically disadvantaged students, and the geographic diversity of participating school divisions.

C. In administering the Program, the Department shall (i) establish such timelines, forms, policies, processes, and rules as it deems necessary and appropriate and (ii) provide technical assistance, upon request, to participating school divisions on the selection of the highest quality printed textbooks and materials.

D. With such funds as may be appropriated for such purpose pursuant to the general appropriation act, the Department shall award grants to participating school divisions to purchase printed textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials pursuant to the Pilot Program. No such grant funds shall be subject to a local match, and such grant funds shall supplement and not supplant other state funds provided pursuant to the general appropriation act for the provision of textbooks at no cost to students.

E. No later than November 1 of each year of the Pilot Program, the Department, with the assistance of each participating school division, shall submit a report to the Chairs of the House Committee on Appropriations, the House Committee on Education, the Senate Committee on Education and Health, and the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations that includes (i) data and information on (a) implementation challenges and best practices; (b) student, parent, administrator, and educator satisfaction with the Pilot Program; and (c) student learning and outcomes and (ii) any other data and information that the Department deems appropriate for informing decisions to modify or expand the Pilot Program.