Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 138: Public high schools; career coach required.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 138 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 5, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Public high schools; career coach required. Primary sponsor: Shelly Simonds (Democratic). It lists 2 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Appropriations.
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.
Public high schools; personnel; career coach required. Requires each school board to employ at least one career coach in each public high school in the local school division whose duties shall include assisting students with securing internships, externships, and credentialing opportunities as required by the Profile of a Virginia Graduate, providing students with information on apprenticeship programs, and connecting students to career opportunities. The bill provides that each such individual shall work under the direction of school counselors to assist with direct counseling, as such term is defined in relevant law, relating to college and career readiness. The bill also provides that each such individual shall be employed in addition to and not as a replacement for the required school counselor positions, specialized student support positions, or support services positions.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 3
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shelly Simonds | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
| Debra Gardner | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 76 |
| May Nivar | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 57 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Appropriations
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (6-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HAPP sub: Elementary & Secondary Education
- Reported from Education and referred to Appropriations (14-Y 7-N)
- Subcommittee recommends reporting and referring to Appropriations (7-Y 3-N)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB138)
- Assigned HED sub: K-12 Subcommittee
- Referred to Committee on Education
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100528D