Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 473: Public ed.; special ed. dispute resolution system, regional special education ombudsman established.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 473 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 12, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Public ed.; special ed. dispute resolution system, regional special education ombudsman established. Primary sponsor: Kelly Fowler (Democratic). 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 education; special education dispute resolution system; administration, organization, oversight, and training; regional special education ombudsman established. Makes several revisions and updates to the special education dispute resolution system, services, and resources in the Commonwealth, including by (i) requiring the Board of Education to prescribe procedures providing for a tiered dispute resolution system that encourages the use of mediation as an informal means of resolving disputes relating to special education and related services; (ii) expanding the duties of the State Parent Ombudsman for Special Education, including by requiring it to develop and implement an anonymous evaluation survey for individuals after contacting or using the State Parent Ombudsman for Special Education, collaborate with the Office of the Children's Ombudsman, provide certain training to its staff by a neutral, qualified expert, and provide additional support, resources, and technical assistance to the Parent Training and Information Center; (iii) expanding the duties of the Department of Education relating to the special education dispute resolution system, including requirements relating to oversight of school division complaints, the provision of neutral, qualified IEP facilitators and mediators, and the provision of training on the tiered dispute resolution system to parents, school personnel, and all special education mediators and hearing officers; and (iv) directing the Department of Education to establish four regional special education ombudsman centers for the purpose of serving as a resource for parents and school personnel on matters relating to the special education dispute resolution system and assisting with the monitoring and oversight of school division and school compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to special education dispute resolution.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kelly Fowler | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 96 |
“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 (7-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HAPP sub: Elementary & Secondary Education
- Reported from Education with amendment(s) and referred to Appropriations (20-Y 0-N 1-A)
- House committee offered
- Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) and referring to Appropriations (10-Y 0-N)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB473)
- Assigned HED sub: K-12 Subcommittee
- Referred to Committee on Education
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101753D