Virginia House Advances HB171 to Enhance Student Protections Against Modern Digital Dangers

RICHMOND, Va. – In a decisive vote reflecting broad support for safeguarding young students in an increasingly digital world, the Virginia House of Delegates passed HB171 on January 27, 2026, by a margin of 75-24. The legislation, titled ‘Student instruction; internet safety, policy to include key modern digital safety topics,’ amends Section 22.1-70.2 of the Code of Virginia to expand school divisions’ internet safety instructional programs. This measure ensures that education on digital safety now encompasses critical contemporary threats such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes, and various online harms.

Delegate Askew, the bill’s chief patron, introduced HB171 as her first legislative initiative of the 2026 Regular Session. In a statement following the House passage, she expressed pride in the bill’s progress, noting that it ‘strengthens internet safety instruction for Virginia students by including modern digital threats like AI-generated content and deepfakes.’ This update builds on existing requirements for school divisions to integrate internet safety components into their instructional curricula, mandating coverage of these evolving risks to better prepare students for real-world online challenges.

The bill’s journey through the General Assembly began with its introduction on January 6, 2026. It quickly advanced through the House Committee on Education, where a subcommittee on January 20 recommended reporting it favorably. The full committee followed suit on January 21, paving the way for floor consideration. After readings on the House floor, including a third reading, lawmakers approved the measure with strong bipartisan momentum evident in the lopsided vote tally: 75 yes, 24 no, and zero abstentions.

A fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget was issued on January 29, 2026, providing lawmakers with an analysis of the bill’s potential budgetary effects. This document underscores the practical considerations of implementing expanded instructional requirements across Virginia’s school divisions.

Following its House approval, HB171 moved to the Senate, where it has continued to gain traction. On February 26, 2026, the Senate Committee on Education and Health reported the bill out of committee. The following day, February 27, it received attention in a Senate constitutional review, as documented in vote details SV749. As of early March 2026, the bill remains active in the Senate, positioning it for potential final passage and consideration by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Proponents highlight HB171’s timely focus on emerging technologies that pose significant risks to children. Deepfakes, powered by artificial intelligence, can spread misinformation and facilitate exploitation, while other online harms include cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and exposure to inappropriate content. By embedding instruction on these topics into standard school programs, the bill aims to empower students with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the internet safely from an early age.

Virginia’s legislative leadership has long prioritized student well-being, and HB171 aligns with ongoing efforts to address the intersection of education and technology. The overwhelming House support demonstrates a consensus on the urgency of updating safety protocols to match the pace of digital innovation. With the session progressing, Senate action could soon send this protective measure to the governor’s desk, ensuring Virginia schools are at the forefront of digital literacy and safety education.

The bill’s provisions specifically direct each school division to incorporate these modern topics into the existing internet safety framework under Section 22.1-70.2. This targeted amendment avoids overhauling the entire code section while delivering meaningful enhancements. Lawmakers emphasized during debates the importance of equipping the next generation against sophisticated online threats that traditional curricula might overlook.

As the 2026 session unfolds, HB171 stands as a model of proactive policymaking. Its passage in the House sets a strong precedent, and swift Senate concurrence would affirm Virginia’s commitment to fostering secure learning environments. Families across the Commonwealth stand to benefit from these fortified defenses against the digital age’s pitfalls, reflecting a balanced approach to education that prioritizes safety without unnecessary burdens.