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Bill

HB 178

Certified student support agencies; DOE to assess impact of developing program for students.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony

Virginia schools must establish student support services and secure personal data systems while reporting compliance to the state education department.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0573)
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Bill Summary · HB 178

Legislative bill overview

HB 178 requires Virginia public schools to establish comprehensive student support services and implement data security protocols for protecting student personal information. The bill mandates reporting requirements to document how schools manage student data and deliver support services to vulnerable student populations.

Why is this important

Student data breaches and inadequate support services can have serious consequences for minors, including identity theft, mental health crises, and educational gaps. Clear state standards ensure consistent protection across districts and accountability for how schools handle sensitive information like Social Security numbers, medical records, and behavioral data.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: Schools may argue the reporting requirements and new data security infrastructure impose unfunded mandates on already-strained budgets
  • Data privacy vs. data sharing: Balancing student privacy protections with schools' legitimate need to share information between departments and with parents/guardians
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "student support services" could be interpreted broadly, creating uncertainty about what schools must provide versus what's optional

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

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