HB 265: Students, certain; grants at public institutions of higher education, qualifications.

Official summary

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

Grants for certain students at public institutions of higher education; qualifications. Removes the requirement for each public institution of higher education to provide a grant for the payment of tuition, certain mandatory education and general fees, and, at baccalaureate institutions, room and board, for any Virginia student who was considered a special needs adoption at any time after he turned 14. The bill also clarifies that only a Virginia student who has received a high school diploma or has passed a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education and who was in foster care in the Commonwealth after he turned 14 or who was in foster care in the Commonwealth when he turned 18 and subsequently received a high school diploma or passed a high school equivalency examination approved by the Board of Education is eligible for such a grant. Current law that governs such grant eligibility is silent on the location of such foster care placement.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“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 18, 2026Left in Education
2. February 2, 2026Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (8-Y 2-N)
3. January 30, 2026Assigned HED sub: Higher Education
4. January 29, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB265)
5. January 9, 2026Referred to Committee on Education
6. January 9, 2026Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103895D