VA HB473

Establishes a tiered special education dispute resolution system administered by the Virginia Department of Education, including mediation services provided by trained neutral mediators and IEP facilitation by independent facilitators

Creates four regional special education ombudsman centers aligned with university Training and Technical Assistance Centers at George Mason University, Old Dominion University, James Madison University, and Radford University to provide one-on-one assistance to families and schools

Expands duties of special education family support centers in eight regions to include training on dispute resolution and promotional outreach campaigns coordinated with parent organizations

Requires mandatory training for Department staff, mediators, and hearing officers on federal and state special education laws, impartial decision-making, and family engagement, provided by a neutral independent expert

Directs the Department to monitor dispute resolution trends, oversee school division compliance with timelines and procedures, and incorporate dispute resolution prompts into the Virginia IEP system for tracking alternative resolution efforts