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Bill

SB 234

Student discipline and codes of student conduct; anti-bullying policies and procedures.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Head

Virginia bill modifying student discipline codes and anti-bullying policies to establish or adjust school conduct procedures; died in committee in 2026.

Passed by indefinitely in Education and Health (9-Y 6-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 234

Legislative bill overview

SB 234 would modify Virginia's student discipline policies and anti-bullying procedures within school codes of conduct. The bill establishes or adjusts requirements for how schools must address bullying incidents and manage student discipline matters. The specific provisions are not detailed in the available legislative history.

Why is this important

Student discipline policies directly affect school safety, student mental health, and educational equity across Virginia's school districts. Anti-bullying procedures are linked to school climate outcomes and can influence whether vulnerable students feel safe enough to learn effectively. These policies also have disproportionate impacts on students of color and students with disabilities, making them a significant equity consideration.

Potential points of contention

  • Disciplinary discretion vs. consistency: Balancing school administrator flexibility with standardized enforcement to prevent disparate discipline outcomes across districts
  • Due process protections: Ensuring students have adequate rights and transparency in discipline proceedings while maintaining school operational efficiency
  • Definition and scope of bullying: Determining what constitutes bullying versus normal peer conflict, and clarifying digital/off-campus conduct boundaries

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

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