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HB 653

Excused student absences; visitation of immediate family members on active duty military, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Hillary Pugh Kent

Virginia bill expands excused absences for K-12 students visiting immediate family members on active military duty deployment.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB653)
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Bill Summary · HB 653

Legislative bill overview

HB 653 expands Virginia's excused absence policy for K-12 students to include visitation of immediate family members on active duty military deployment. The bill allows students to miss school for approved family visits without penalty, recognizing the unique circumstances of military families.

Why is this important

Military families experience frequent and extended separations due to deployment. This bill acknowledges the hardship by allowing students dedicated time to see deployed relatives without academic consequences, potentially supporting student well-being and family cohesion during difficult periods.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition scope: What constitutes "immediate family" and "active duty" could create administrative ambiguity or inconsistent application across districts
  • Absence duration limits: The bill may not specify how many days qualify as excused, potentially allowing excessive absences or creating disputes over reasonableness
  • Documentation requirements: Schools may struggle to verify military deployment status without clear standards, creating compliance burden or disputes
  • Academic impact: Extended absences could affect student learning outcomes and teacher planning, even if officially excused

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

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