The Bill Spill

HB 1548

The Virginia General Assembly has introduced a bill requiring high school students to take a naturalization test to graduate. Students must earn at least a 70% on the test to receive their standard or advanced diploma. The student can take the test at any time during grades nine through 12 and as many times as necessary to pass. The bill is still in its early stages. It was reintroduced after failing to pass in the 2024 session.

SB 619

Senate Bill 619 addresses the issue of neglect in schools. It expands the definition of “child abuse or neglect” to include situations where a child misses a significant amount of school, defining it as educational neglect. If a child misses 10% or more of the school year for any reason, teachers and staff are required to report this form of neglect to authorities. If parents or guardians fail to enroll their child in school or address absences, they may face legal consequences. The bill has been set to be continued in 2025 in the Senate Education and Health Committee.