Why 4/5: It creates new state and regional resources and processes for special education dispute resolution, directly impacting how parents and schools navigate special education services.
This bill establishes a new tiered special education dispute resolution system, expands the duties of the State Parent Ombudsman, and creates four regional special education ombudsman centers. These changes aim to improve how special education disputes are resolved and increase support for parents and school personnel across Virginia.
Filed
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26101753D
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee on Education
Referred to committee
Assigned HED sub: K-12 Subcommittee
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB473)
Update
Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) and referring to Appropriations (10-Y 0-N)
Update
House committee offered
Cleared committee
Reported from Education with amendment(s) and referred to Appropriations (20-Y 0-N 1-A)
Referred to committee
Assigned HAPP sub: Elementary & Secondary Education
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Public ed.; special ed. dispute resolution system, regional special education ombudsman established.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 0-N)
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Left in Committee Appropriations