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HB 526

Nationally Certified School Psychologist Program; established.

2026 Regular Session

Virginia bill establishes a nationally certified school psychologist program to improve student mental health services and professional standards in public schools.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB526)
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Bill Summary · HB 526

Legislative bill overview

HB 526 establishes a program in Virginia to support the credentialing and employment of nationally certified school psychologists. The bill appears designed to create a structured pathway or incentive system for schools to hire psychologists who meet national certification standards rather than relying solely on state certification.

Why is this important

School psychologists address critical mental health, behavioral, and learning needs of students, but many districts face shortages of qualified professionals. Establishing a nationally certified program could improve access to evidence-based psychological services, particularly in underserved areas, while raising professional standards across the state.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal burden: The Department of Planning and Budget's fiscal impact statement suggests implementation costs that may strain education budgets, particularly for smaller or less-funded districts
  • Certification standards debate: Questions about whether national certification should be required, preferred, or optional, and whether this creates barriers for qualified in-state psychologists or elevates professional quality
  • Implementation logistics: Unclear how the program would be administered, funded, and enforced across Virginia's diverse school divisions with varying resources and needs

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

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