HB 263: Certified school library specialists; Superintendent of Public Instruction to employ in DOE.

Official summary

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

Superintendent of Public Instruction; employment of certified school library specialists. Requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to employ in the Department of Education at least one certified school library specialist who shall have several duties enumerated in the bill, including (i) providing leadership and technical assistance with the implementation and use of information literacy skills to school divisions, Department staff, and other stakeholders to support student achievement; (ii) directing the implementation of state and national school library standards and consulting with and providing technical assistance to local school divisions relating to such standards; (iii) collaborating on various grants and other initiatives that promote student literacy through school library programs throughout the Commonwealth; (iv) supporting student learning through instructional programs in which students are required to demonstrate information literacy, digital literacy and fluency, and effective use of technology and instructional programs that incorporate science, technology, engineering, and math learning; and (v) providing the Department, the Board of Education, the General Assembly, and school boards with support relating to student learning through the use of school library standards and library resources.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“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. February 19, 2026Continued to next session in Education and Health (14-Y 1-N)
2. February 9, 2026Referred to Committee on Education and Health
3. February 9, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
4. February 6, 2026Read third time and passed House (74-Y 22-N 0-A)
5. February 5, 2026Read second time and engrossed
6. February 4, 2026Read first time
7. February 2, 2026Reported from Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)
8. January 30, 2026Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 0-N)
9. January 28, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB263)
10. January 28, 2026Assigned HAPP sub: Elementary & Secondary Education
11. January 28, 2026Reported from Education and referred to Appropriations (17-Y 4-N)
12. January 27, 2026Subcommittee recommends reporting and referring to Appropriations (9-Y 1-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 15 actions. Full history