Virginia HB 721: Parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain ed. content.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103884D

HOUSE BILL NO. 721

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-1.1, relating to parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain educational content.

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Patron—Zehr

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Referred to Committee on Education

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-1.1 as follows:

§ 22.1-1.1. Parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain educational content.

Consistent with § 1-240.1, parents of public school children have the fundamental right to opt their children out, without penalty, of any instruction, reading, discussion, presentation, including any audio-visual presentation, school assembly, or activity that includes any gender identity, sexual orientation, transgenderism, or drag show theme or content, and the school shall make reasonable accommodations during such opt-out period.