Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 1278: School bd. policies; communication & language accessibility for limited English proficient parents.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 1278 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: School bd. policies; communication & language accessibility for limited English proficient parents. Primary sponsor: Atoosa Reaser (Democratic). It lists 5 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (April 13, 2026): Approved by Governor-Chapter 764 (effective 7/1/2026).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
School boards; language access plan for limited English proficient parents. Requires each school board to develop, implement, and post in a publicly accessible location on its website a language access plan consisting of policies and procedures designed to ensure meaningful communication with and informational accessibility for limited English proficient (LEP) parents, as that term is defined in the bill. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027. This bill is identical to SB 685.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atoosa Reaser | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 27 |
| Laura Jane Cohen | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 15 |
| Kelly Fowler | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 96 |
| May Nivar | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 57 |
| Saddam Salim | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 37 |
| Irene Shin | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 8 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 764 (effective 7/1/2026)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
- Signed by Speaker
- Signed by President
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1278ER)
- Enrolled
- Conference report agreed to by Senate (23-Y 15-N 0-A)
- Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 30-N 0-A)
- Conference Report released
- Conference Report released
- Senate Conferees: Pekarsky, VanValkenburg, Head
Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history