WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 1126

Students with individualized education programs or Section 504 Plans; emergency protocol and guide.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Boysko and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill requires schools to create emergency protocols and guides tailored to students with disabilities (IEPs/504 Plans) to ensure appropriate support during crises.

Failed to report (defeated) in Education and Health (2-Y 8-N 5-A)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1126

Legislative bill overview

SB 1126 would require Virginia schools to develop emergency protocols and guides specifically for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or Section 504 Plans. The bill aims to ensure these students receive appropriate accommodations and support during emergency situations such as lockdowns, evacuations, or other crises when standard protocols might not meet their needs.

Why is this important

Students with disabilities often face increased vulnerability during emergencies due to communication barriers, mobility limitations, sensory sensitivities, or behavioral health needs. Without tailored protocols, these students may experience trauma, become separated from necessary support, or fail to receive critical accommodations during time-sensitive situations. Proactive planning can improve safety outcomes and reduce confusion for both students and emergency responders.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Schools already stretched by budget constraints may view developing individualized emergency protocols as administratively complex and costly, requiring staff training and coordination across multiple departments
  • Specificity challenges: Critics might argue that creating standardized guides for highly diverse student populations (autism, mobility impairments, hearing loss, etc.) is impractical without prescriptive mandates that could prove inflexible
  • Liability concerns: Schools may worry about legal exposure if emergencies don't unfold according to planned protocols, or if protocols are deemed inadequate after an incident

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

Sign in to ask a question.