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Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill

SB 394: Artificial intelligence; use of systems for student instruction.

Enacted Official data

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed one chamber
  4. Passed both chambers
  5. Enacted

Last official action: ·Record last updated:

Plain-language summary

SB 394 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Artificial intelligence; use of systems for student instruction. Primary sponsor: Stella Pekarsky (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 13, 2026): Approved by Governor-Chapter 943 (effective 7/1/2026).

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.

Department of Education; artificial intelligence system use in instructional settings; development of AIS safety guidance required; AIS Innovation in Education Pilot Program established; report. Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with school divisions and other relevant stakeholders, to compile information on current uses of artificial intelligence systems (AIS) for student instruction in public schools in the Commonwealth and to establish and post in a publicly accessible location on its website guidance for the safe, ethical, and equitable use of AIS in instructional settings in public elementary and secondary schools. The bill requires each school board to establish, implement, and enforce policies consistent with the guidance developed by the Department in accordance with the provisions of the bill. The bill also directs the Department to establish and oversee the AIS Innovation in Education Pilot Program for the purpose of funding, evaluating, and scaling innovative uses of AIS in public elementary and secondary schools by providing support to school divisions in piloting AIS applications for instruction, tutoring, student engagement, operational efficiency, and teacher support and to submit an annual report to the Chairs of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by December 1. The Pilot Program has an expiration date of July 1, 2030. This bill is identical to HB 1186.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

NameRolePartyChamberDistrict
Stella PekarskyPrimary sponsorDemocraticSenate36

“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. Approved by Governor-Chapter 943 (effective 7/1/2026)
  2. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
  3. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
  4. Signed by Speaker
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB394)
  6. Signed by President
  7. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB394ER)
  8. Enrolled
  9. Conference report agreed to by House (95-Y 0-N 0-A)
  10. Conference report agreed to by Senate (37-Y 2-N 0-A)
  11. Conference Report released
  12. House Conferees: Rasoul, Maldonado, Cherry

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history

Sources

  1. Open States / Plural (data from the official legislature website)
  2. Official legislature source