Why 4/5: This bill directly changes high school graduation requirements and curriculum options for students.
This bill allows Virginia high school students to substitute African American History or AP African American Studies for World History I or World Geography to meet graduation requirements. The Board of Education must update its regulations to permit these substitutions, provided the alternative course is available and students pass an applicable assessment.
Second reading
Read second time
Third reading
Read third time
Substitute adopted
committee substitute agreed to
Substitute adopted
Engrossed by House - committee substitute
Passed a chamber
Passed House with substitute (62-Y 35-N 0-A)
Substitute adopted
House substitute agreed to by Senate (23-Y 17-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB427ER)
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 (“High school graduation requirements; history and social studies credits.”) · Read the actual bill →
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB427)
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 346 (effective 7/1/2026)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0346)