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Bill

HB 103

Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities; program extension.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Ballard and 1 co-sponsor

HB 103 extends Virginia's federal Early Intervention Program for disabled infants and toddlers, ensuring continued developmental services for children under age 3 with disabilities.

Left in Committee Communications, Technology and Innovation
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Bill Summary · HB 103

Legislative bill overview

HB 103 extends Virginia's Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities, which provides developmental services to children under age 3 with disabilities or developmental delays. The bill continues funding and authorization for this program, which operates under Part C of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Why is this important

Early intervention services have documented long-term benefits for children with disabilities, including improved developmental outcomes and reduced special education costs in later school years. The program extension ensures continuity of services for vulnerable populations and maintains Virginia's compliance with federal IDEA requirements, affecting thousands of families across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal burden: The bill's passage through health and human services with approval (21-0 vote) but subsequent placement in Appropriations suggests budget constraints or questions about funding mechanisms may be delaying advancement.
  • Program scope and eligibility: Questions may arise about which conditions qualify for services, income thresholds for families, and whether the program adequately serves rural versus urban populations.
  • Staffing and capacity: Early intervention relies on specialized professionals (speech therapists, developmental specialists); concerns may exist about workforce availability and service delivery timelines.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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