Virginia · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
SB 955: Public schools; definitions, textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 955 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 6, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Public schools; definitions, textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials. Primary sponsor: Schuyler VanValkenburg (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (May 2, 2025): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0683).
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 schools; textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials. Makes several changes relating to the textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials that are utilized as the curriculum basis for public elementary and secondary school student instruction, including (i) requiring each local school board to adopt and implement textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials in English language arts for grades six through 12 and mathematics, science, and history and social studies for grades kindergarten through 12 and requiring the Department of Education to support such local adoption and implementation in several ways and (ii) requiring each education preparation program offered by a public institution of higher education or private institution of higher education or alternative certification program that provides training for any student seeking initial licensure by the Board of Education with certain endorsements to include a program of coursework and clinical experience and require all such students to demonstrate mastery in identifying and implementing textbooks and other high-quality instructional materials. The provisions of the bill, with the exception of a provision that requires a study of and report on the textbook review and approval process by November 1, 2025, have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026. This bill is identical to HB 2777.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schuyler VanValkenburg | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
| Carrie E. Coyner | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0683)
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 683 (Effective 07/01/26)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 2, 2025
- Communicated to Governor
- Senate rejected Governor's recommendation (19-Y 21-N)
- Governor's substitute printed (SB955S4)
- Governor's substitute printed (SB955S4)
- Governor's recommendation received by Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
- Enrolled Bill Communicated to Governor on March 11, 2025
- Signed by President
- Signed by Speaker
Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history