Spanberger signs sweeping school safety, mental health bills

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has signed a new set of bipartisan bills aimed at improving the safety and well-being of Virginia's public school students, staff and teachers.

On Thursday, April 2, Spanberger approved another wave of bills focused on school safety and student mental health in Virginia's public schools. The measures aim to strengthen training on the Commonwealth's "red flag laws" and modernize internet safety education in public school systems.

Earlier this week, Spanberger signed her first slate of legislation to make healthcare, housing and energy more affordable, accessible and reliable for Virginians.

All of the school-related measures were passed with bipartisan support by the General Assembly during the 2026 Session.

“As the parent of three daughters in Virginia public schools and a former federal law enforcement officer, nothing is more important to me than the safety of Virginia’s kids,” Spanberger said in a press release.

“Every Virginia parent deserves peace of mind knowing their kids are safe, supported, and set up for success — and that their school is prepared for any emergency," she added.

School safety, student support measures

Much of the newly signed bills focus on improving how schools identify and respond to potential threats, as well as expanding mental health and well-being support for Virginia students.

• HB1071, sponsored by Del. Amy Laufer, passed unanimously: Requires threat assessment teams for public elementary and secondary schools and for public institutions of higher education to receive specific education and training on substantial risk orders, or "red flag laws."
• HB38, sponsored by Del. Rozie Henson, Jr., passed with bipartisan support: Requires training for teachers and other school personnel to help identify students experiencing mental health challenges.
• HB171, sponsored by Del. Alex Askew, passed with bipartisan support: Protecting kids by modernizing required internet safety education in schools.
• HB195 (Del. Delores McQuinn), SB33 (Sen. Barbara Favola), passed unanimously: Investing in greater classroom support for at-risk students.
• HB1153 (Del. Sam Rasoul), SB820, (Sen. David Suetterlein), passed with bipartisan support: Reducing youth violence by expanding the Community Builders Pilot Program established in Roanoke City Public Schools and Petersburg City Public Schools.

Child safety, welfare legislation

Spanberger also signed bills addressing child safety and basic needs, not just in the classroom. This includes pool safety and child hunger concerns.

• HB222, sponsored by Del. Patrick Hope, passed with bipartisan support: Adopting standardized safety rules to make sure children are safe at public pools.
• HB210, sponsored by Del. Cia Price, passed with bipartisan support: Directing a statewide report to assess school meal debt in Virginia school divisions.