HB 359: Private elementary or secondary school; use of public funds for tuition, standards.

Official summary

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

Use of public funds for private elementary or secondary school tuition; standards. Establishes several requirements and conditions relating to the use of certain public funds enumerated in the bill to fund student tuition at private elementary and secondary schools in the Commonwealth, including (i) requiring all students enrolled at schools who receive such funds to take Standards of Learning assessments; (ii) requiring all such schools to receive accountability ratings from the Board of Education; and (iii) prohibiting such schools from discriminating in admissions, enrollment, discipline, retention, or access to educational programs and services on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, special education status, language proficiency, or socioeconomic status.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 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 11, 2026Continued to next session in Appropriations (Voice Vote)
2. February 11, 2026Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
3. February 9, 2026Assigned HAPP sub: Elementary & Secondary Education
4. February 9, 2026Committee substitute printed 26107420D-H1
5. February 9, 2026Reported from Education with substitute and referred to Appropriations (13-Y 7-N)
6. February 6, 2026House committee offered
7. February 3, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB359)
8. January 12, 2026Referred to Committee on Education
9. January 12, 2026Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105152D