WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1071

Public elementary and secondary schools & higher educational institutions; threat assessment teams.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amy Laufer and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia mandates K-12 and higher education institutions create threat assessment teams to identify and respond to potential violence threats through coordinated protocols.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1071

Legislative bill overview

HB 1071 requires public elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions in Virginia to establish threat assessment teams capable of identifying, evaluating, and responding to potential threats of violence. The bill mandates these teams develop protocols and procedures for threat assessment and intervention while coordinating with law enforcement and mental health services.

Why is this important

School safety has become a significant concern following multiple incidents of school-based violence. Threat assessment teams represent a proactive approach to identifying warning signs and intervening before incidents occur, potentially preventing violence while also addressing underlying mental health or behavioral issues in students and staff.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Establishing and maintaining threat assessment teams requires funding for trained personnel, coordination infrastructure, and ongoing professional development—costs that may strain already-stretched school budgets
  • Implementation consistency: Defining what constitutes a "threat" and ensuring consistent application across diverse school settings raises concerns about potential over-identification or under-identification of genuine risks
  • Privacy and due process concerns: Threat assessment procedures could impact student privacy, require careful documentation standards, and raise questions about fairness when individuals are flagged for intervention

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

Sign in to ask a question.