VA HB359

Private schools receiving public tuition funds (vouchers, education savings accounts, tax credit scholarships, or similar programs) must require all students to take Virginia Standards of Learning assessments and reimburse the state for testing costs.

Participating private schools are prohibited from discriminating in admissions, enrollment, or discipline based on race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or socioeconomic status, and must provide opt-outs from religious instruction for publicly-funded students.

Schools receiving the lowest accountability ratings or failing accreditation standards become ineligible to enroll new publicly-funded students for five years.

Teachers in core academic subjects must hold valid Virginia teaching licenses, and schools must submit annual audited financial statements and comply with tuition increase caps tied to the Consumer Price Index.

The Superintendent may conduct audits and impose penalties up to $10,000 per violation, suspend or revoke eligibility, or require restitution of misused funds, with existing schools given until July 1, 2027, to comply.