The Overview

Virginia is creating a new state-funded program to help public schools support students with greater educational needs. House Bill 92 establishes an At-Risk Program within the state's Standards of Quality, directing more resources to students with disabilities, English language learners, and those in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. [](#ngr-451e8639-dfe4-4c35-b573-fd978494f246)

The bill strengthens equity in school funding by creating flexible resources that schools can use to meet the needs of their most vulnerable students. The League of Women Voters of Virginia backs the measure as advancing principles of equity, accountability, and adequacy in public education funding. The measure has bipartisan backing with 43 cosponsors behind lead sponsor Sam Rasoul, a Democratic delegate from Roanoke.

What the Law Does

HB 92 establishes a state-supported add-on for special education students and requires formulas for funding the At-Risk Program and special education add-on to be established in the general appropriation act.

HB92 requires the Department of Education to report annually to the House Committees on Education and Appropriations and the Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations and on Education and Health regarding total and per-pupil annual operating expenditures from local, state, and federal sources in each school division and the change in expenditures from each such source over the immediately preceding two-year, three-year, and five-year timeframes, expressed in both dollar amounts and percentages.

The House passed HB 92 on third reading on February 17 by a vote of 94 to 3. The Senate Education and Health Committee reported the bill favorably on February 26 and it was sent to the Finance and Appropriations Committee, where it was continued to the next session on March 4.

By the Numbers

Virginia's poverty rate is 9.9%, with a median household income of $93,170. The bill targets resources toward students with disabilities, English language learners, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. 91.6% of Virginia residents hold a high school diploma or higher, and 42.2% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, while 91% of Virginia residents have broadband access.

The Debate

Supporters say the bill addresses a critical gap in school funding. Delegate Rasoul argued that the measure ensures more resources are directed to communities, particularly for students with disabilities, English language learners, and at-risk students in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. The House Education Committee reported the bill favorably with a substitute on February 11, by a vote of 19 to 2. The bill now rests in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee after being continued from the previous session on July 21. No recorded floor vote has yet occurred in the Senate.

---

This article was generated by AI pulling from data. Each article is edited by an editor for accuracy and clarity.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article