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Bill

HB 362

Public elementary and secondary student textbooks; print as primary curriculum basis.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lindsey Dougherty

Virginia bill mandates printed textbooks as primary public school curriculum, potentially limiting digital resources and increasing education spending while restricting teacher flexibility.

Committee substitute printed 26106181D-H1
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Bill Summary · HB 362

Legislative bill overview

HB 362 would establish printed textbooks as the primary curriculum basis for Virginia public elementary and secondary schools, potentially limiting the use of digital-only or alternative instructional materials. The bill has advanced through committee with a substitute version and now faces consideration in the Appropriations Committee, suggesting potential fiscal implications.

Why is this important

This legislation directly affects how Virginia educators deliver instruction and what learning resources students access daily. The decision between print-based and digital curricula carries implications for education budgets, teacher flexibility, student accessibility needs, and preparation for a technology-driven workforce.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Printing and maintaining physical textbooks for entire school districts requires significant ongoing expenditures, potentially straining education budgets compared to digital alternatives that can be updated at lower cost
  • Accessibility and flexibility: Students with visual impairments, learning disabilities, or varied learning styles may benefit from digital tools (adjustable fonts, audio features, interactive elements) that print textbooks cannot provide
  • Teacher autonomy: Mandating print as "primary" may restrict educators' ability to use supplementary digital resources, open educational materials, or adaptive teaching methods they deem effective for their specific classrooms
  • Technology readiness: The requirement may disadvantage districts with strong digital infrastructure investments while potentially overlooking legitimate pedagogical arguments for blended learning approaches

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

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