Why 3/5: This bill provides school boards with new flexibility for setting the academic calendar, impacting future school year planning for students, parents, and staff.
Virginia school boards would gain increased operational flexibility to set their academic calendars by being permitted to start the school year earlier. The earliest allowed start date would shift from 14 days before Labor Day to 14 days before September 1st, potentially enabling schools to begin classes up to a week sooner.
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee on Education and Health
Cleared committee
Reported from Education and Health (14-Y 0-N)
Update
Rules suspended
Update
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)
Update
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1455ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“School bds.; opening of school year, certain alternative schedules & schedule flexibility permitted.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1455)
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 815 (effective 7/1/2026)