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HB 1387

Teaching licenses; automatic revocation upon certain convictions.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Cherry

HB 1387 mandates automatic teaching license revocation upon conviction of specified crimes, eliminating case-by-case review discretion by Virginia education officials.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1387

Legislative bill overview

HB 1387 establishes automatic revocation of teaching licenses upon conviction of certain crimes, removing discretion from the Virginia Department of Education in these cases. The bill specifies which criminal convictions trigger mandatory license revocation rather than allowing case-by-case review by licensing authorities.

Why is this important

Teaching licenses directly govern who can work in Virginia's public and private schools, making this policy significant for student safety and educator accountability. Automatic revocation mechanisms create clear, enforceable standards but also remove individualized consideration that might apply to factors like conviction details, rehabilitation, or false accusations later overturned.

Potential points of contention

  • Specificity of triggering crimes: The bill's exact list of convictions is not detailed in available information, raising questions about whether all serious crimes are included and whether lesser offenses are appropriately excluded
  • Due process and appeals: Automatic revocation may limit an educator's ability to contest licensing decisions or present mitigating circumstances, potentially conflicting with fair hearing standards
  • Balancing accountability with rehabilitation: The policy takes a permanent exclusion approach rather than considering earned redemption for individuals who complete sentences and demonstrate rehabilitation, affecting career access for teachers convicted of non-violent offenses

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

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