HB 2158: DOC; functional literacy program for inmates, etc.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Department of Corrections; functional literacy program for inmates; data sharing and tracking; salary schedules for teachers; Virginia Prison Education Task Force established; report. Requires the Superintendent employed by the Director of Corrections to (i) include in the functional literacy program for inmates developed pursuant to applicable law evidence-based literacy instruction, as defined in accordance with applicable law; (ii) share data with (a) the state entity that oversees the management, direction, and governance of the Commonwealth's education and workforce data for the purpose of developing educational, health, social service, and employment outcome data and improving the efficacy of state services and (b) the Virginia Community College System necessary for comprehensive community colleges to apply for and maintain eligibility as Federal Pell Grant-eligible prison education programs; and (iii) track and publicly report at least annually the number of incarcerated individuals eligible for, enrolled in, and waitlisted for the functional literacy program. The bill also establishes the Virginia Prison Education Task Force for the purpose of implementing a consistent education program across all state correctional facilities operated by the Department. The bill requires the Task Force to complete its work by July 1, 2030. Finally, the bill requires the Department of Education to, by November 1, 2025, (a) review and update the salary schedules for teachers licensed by the Board of Education and employed by the Department of Corrections to provide instruction in the schools of the correctional centers to be competitive with those in effect for the school division in which the correctional facility is located and (b) make recommendations for the inclusion of such teacher salary increases in the appropriation act.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 14

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 2, 2025Vetoed by Governor
2. April 2, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 2, 2025
3. April 2, 2025Communicated to Governor
4. April 2, 2025Passed by for the day (47-Y 46-N)
5. March 24, 2025Governor's recommendation received by House
6. March 11, 2025Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
7. March 11, 2025Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 11, 2025
8. March 10, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB2158)
9. March 10, 2025Signed by President
10. March 7, 2025Signed by Speaker
11. March 7, 2025Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB2158ER)
12. March 7, 2025Enrolled

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history