Why 4/5: It establishes new student rights and mandates significant policy and training changes for school divisions within the next few years.
School boards and staff will be required to implement new policies and training by late 2026 and early 2027 to ensure no child is denied a free public education based on immigration status. This bill also creates a civil cause of action, allowing individuals to sue if these protections for students are not upheld.
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House Conferees: Rasoul, Cousins, Runion
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Conferees appointed by Senate
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Senate Conferees: Pekarsky, Favola, Craig
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Conference Report released
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (62-Y 34-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (21-Y 18-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB836ER)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
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 (“Public schools; right to free public elementary and secondary education, discrimination, etc.”) · Read the actual bill →
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB836)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 680 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0680)