2026 SESSION

HOUSE SUBSTITUTE

26107679D

HOUSE BILL NO. 894

AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE

(Proposed by the House Committee on Education

on February 11, 2026)

(Patrons Prior to Substitute—Delegates Sullivan and Cole, J.G. [HB 53])

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; requirements.

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 and cyberbullying; 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 violate 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 and cyberbullying.