RICHMOND, Va. – In a decisive move to reward academic rigor and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, the Virginia General Assembly has sent HB595 to Governor Glenn Youngkin for his signature. The legislation, which incorporates key provisions from HB132 introduced by Delegate Marcus Simon, streamlines graduation requirements for students pursuing the internationally renowned International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma while meeting standards for Virginia’s advanced studies diploma.

HB595 passed the House of Delegates on February 10, 2026, by a resounding 94-3 vote. The measure received near-unanimous support, reflecting broad recognition of its value in promoting high-achieving education pathways. Key yeas included Delegates Anderson, Anthony, Askew, Austin, Ballard, Bloxom, Bulova, Callsen, Carnegie, Carr, Carroll, Cherry, Clark, Cohen, Cole J.G., Cole N.T., and many others, demonstrating strong backing across the chamber.

The bill then moved to the Senate, where the Education and Health Committee reported it with a substitute by a 9-6 vote on February 19. The full Senate passed the measure with the substitute on February 23 by 21-17, highlighting its merit despite a divided chamber. The House quickly concurred with the Senate substitute on February 25 by 93-2, and the enrolled bill was communicated to the Governor on March 10, 2026, with action deadline set for April 13.

Originally prefaced as HB132 on January 3, 2026, and referred to the House Education Committee’s K-12 Subcommittee, the bill was incorporated into HB595 by voice vote on February 4 following a fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget. HB595, chiefly patroned by Delegate Shelly Simonds, builds on this foundation with targeted adjustments.

Under the legislation, the Board of Education must allow students who transfer into a Virginia public high school during or after grade 10 and are pursuing both an advanced studies diploma and an IB diploma to substitute certain IB-required courses for Virginia and U.S. history and government, as well as the economics and personal finance credit. This provision acknowledges the rigorous, globally competitive nature of the IB program, ensuring students are not penalized for embracing challenging curricula.

Additionally, the bill mandates waivers from the required training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and automated external defibrillator use for graduation. Waivers apply to students whose individualized education programs or Section 504 Plans prevent successful completion, or those transferring after grade 10 from programs without such training or credit. This compassionate measure ensures equitable access to diplomas for special needs students and frequent movers, such as children of military families.

Finally, the Board must amend regulations to deem any student eligible for an IB diploma as having met all course and credit requirements for the advanced studies diploma, eliminating unnecessary additional verification. This cuts red tape, allowing focus on achievement rather than paperwork.

Multiple fiscal impact statements from the Department of Planning and Budget, issued on dates including January 30, February 2, February 4, and March 2, 2026, accompanied the bill’s progress, indicating careful consideration of state resources. The legislation is identical to SB63 and represents a practical reform to Virginia’s graduation standards.

The overwhelming House support, with only three no votes, underscores the bill’s alignment with priorities for educational flexibility and excellence. In the Senate, the 21-17 passage further affirms its broad appeal. As the bill awaits Governor Youngkin’s review, it stands as a testament to legislative efficiency in advancing student success.

Virginia’s advanced studies diploma prepares students for college and careers, and integrating IB pathways enhances competitiveness on a world stage. By facilitating transfers and accommodations, HB595 supports families navigating relocations and diverse needs, fostering a more inclusive high school environment without lowering standards.

The swift progression—from prefile on January 13 for HB595, through committee substitutes (House 26107064D-H1, Senate 26108239D-S1), to enrollment on March 2—demonstrates effective governance. Signed by the Speaker and President on March 2, the bill now rests with the Governor, poised to become law and benefit countless students.

This reform arrives at a critical time, as Virginia continues to refine its Profile of a Virginia Graduate. Recognizing IB completion directly bolsters the commonwealth’s reputation for quality education, equipping youth with skills for future success.