VirginiaSchool boards would excuse medically verified student absences
Students with written medical verification could receive an excused absence for one continuous period of up to 30 school days.
What it does
Students absent for medical reasons could receive an excused absence for one continuous period of up to 30 school days when a health care provider verifies it in writing.
Argument forA clear medical excuse could help students recover without being marked absent when a health care provider confirms they need time away from school.
Argument againstRequiring written verification could burden families who have difficulty obtaining provider documentation, especially for absences lasting many school days.
More detail
School boards would excuse a student’s absence when a health care provider verifies the medical reason in writing. The provision covers any pupil absent from school for medical reasons. The absence may cover one continuous period of up to 30 school days. A student’s health care provider must verify the medical reason in writing. The excuse applies during the continuous period of absence, which may not exceed 30 school days.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jul 21Continued from last sessionLatest
- Feb 4Continued to next session in Education (Voice Vote)
- Feb 3Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote)
- Feb 3House subcommittee offered
- Jan 30Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1017)
- Jan 30Assigned HED sub: K-12 SubcommitteeMinor
- Jan 14Referred to Committee on EducationMinor
- Jan 14Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104891DIntroduced
EducationHealthcareGovernment & Ethics