CHAPTER 237

An Act 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.

[S 341]

Approved April 6, 2026

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 law; (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. Such policies and procedures shall, at a minimum, (i) require notification to the parent of any student involved in a confirmed incident of bullying within 24 hours of confirming the incident 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 bullying or cyberbullying is not deterred from reporting or seeking support by fear of retaliation; and (iv) include prohibitions against hazing, as that term is defined in § 18.2-56. Nothing in this section shall be construed to preclude a private elementary or secondary school in the Commonwealth from adopting policies and procedures that are more comprehensive than the policies and procedures required pursuant to this section.