Why 4/5: This bill creates new operational requirements for public higher education institutions and directly impacts student rights regarding religious accommodations.
Public colleges and universities in Virginia will be required to provide reasonable accommodations for students' religious beliefs in areas like admissions, class attendance, and exam scheduling. Institutions must also establish a grievance procedure for students who believe they have been denied such accommodations.
Cleared committee
Reported from Education and Health (13-Y 0-N 2-A)
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Rules suspended
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Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)
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Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB131ER)
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB131)
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 (“Higher educational institutions, public; reasonable accommodations for religious beliefs, etc.”) · 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
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 74 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0074)