Why 4/5: This bill mandates the development of new state guidance and local school board policies for AI use in classrooms and establishes a pilot program for AI innovation, representing a significant operational and instructional shift for schools.
The Department of Education will develop guidance for the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Virginia public schools, requiring local school boards to adopt consistent policies. It also establishes an AI Innovation in Education Pilot Program to fund and evaluate new AI tools for instruction, tutoring, and teacher support until 2030.
Update
Conferees appointed by House
Update
House Conferees: Rasoul, Maldonado, Cherry
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Conferees appointed by Senate
Update
Senate Conferees: Pekarsky, Favola, Head
Update
Conference Report released
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (38-Y 1-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (95-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1186ER)
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 (“Artificial intelligence; use of systems for student instruction.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
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
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1186)
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 937 (effective 7/1/2026)