Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 721: Parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain ed. content.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 721 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain ed. content. Primary sponsor: Eric Zehr (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Education.
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.
Parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain educational content. Provides that parents of public school children have the fundamental right to opt their children out, without penalty, of any instruction, reading, discussion, presentation, including any audio-visual presentation, school assembly, or activity that includes any gender identity, sexual orientation, transgenderism, or drag show theme or content, and the school shall make reasonable accommodations during such opt-out period.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Zehr | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 51 |
“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 Education
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 3-N)
- House subcommittee offered
- Assigned HED sub: K-12 Subcommittee
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB721)
- Referred to Committee on Education
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103884D