Destiny LeVere Bolling House Bill 427 Tracks Student Parents in Higher Education

Sep 10, 2026, 9:00 AM ET

Conceptual illustration of schools linked in an education data network

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia General Assembly delivered a strong show of unity on Monday, March 2, 2026, when both chambers passed House Bill 427 with unanimous votes, advancing a measure aimed at enhancing data collection on student parents within the state’s higher education system.

Sponsored by Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling as the chief patron, HB427 requires the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to incorporate information on self-identified students who are parents into its uniform, comprehensive data information system. This addition builds on existing frameworks designed to track key metrics in higher education, promoting greater transparency and informed decision-making for policymakers and institutions alike.

The bill’s journey began on January 12, 2026, when it was prefiled and ordered printed ahead of the session’s start. Offered on January 14, it was swiftly referred to the House Committee on Education. Demonstrating early momentum, the Department of Planning and Budget issued a fiscal impact statement on January 22, underscoring the legislature’s commitment to fiscal responsibility in evaluating the proposal.

By January 23, the bill was assigned to the Higher Education subcommittee, which recommended reporting it out on January 27 with a 9-0 vote. The full House Education Committee followed suit on January 28, reporting the bill favorably by a 20-1 margin. The House then read the bill for the first time on January 30, the second time and engrossed it on February 2, and passed it on third reading February 3 with a resounding 97-0 vote.

Moving to the Senate, the bill saw constitutional reading dispensed on the first reading February 4 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Education and Health. Assigned to the Higher Education subcommittee on February 23, it emerged from the full committee on February 26 with a 15-0 recommendation. Rules were suspended on February 27, allowing constitutional reading to be dispensed via block vote (37-0), though passage was deferred for the day. The Senate completed action swiftly on March 2, passing HB427 by block vote (40-0) on third reading.

Throughout the process, multiple fiscal impact statements from the Department of Planning and Budget were issued—on January 22, January 28, February 3, February 26, and March 2—ensuring thorough scrutiny of any potential budgetary effects. This repeated review highlights the legislature’s prudent approach to expanding data capabilities without unchecked spending.

SCHEV’s uniform, comprehensive data information system serves as a critical tool for monitoring enrollment, outcomes, and resource allocation across Virginia’s public colleges and universities. By including data on self-identified students who are parents—a group often balancing academic pursuits with family responsibilities—the bill equips educators and leaders with vital insights. Such information can support targeted initiatives that strengthen family stability and student success, aligning with longstanding priorities of accountability in public education spending.

The unanimous passage in both the House (97-0) and Senate (40-0) reflects broad consensus on the value of precise, actionable data in higher education governance. With no amendments noted during its progression, HB427 now awaits the governor’s signature to become law, potentially taking effect in the upcoming fiscal or academic year.

Delegate Bolling’s initiative addresses a practical need in an era where higher education institutions manage diverse student populations. Tracking self-identified parents enables better resource distribution, fostering environments where family commitments do not hinder academic achievement. This data-driven strategy underscores efficient government operations, allowing Virginia’s 23 public institutions to optimize support services without expansive new mandates.

As Virginia continues to prioritize student outcomes amid competing demands on state resources, HB427 stands as a model of targeted legislation. Its smooth advancement through committees and chambers, bolstered by fiscal oversight, exemplifies legislative efficiency and focus on core educational priorities.

Email the Richmond City Council:
Andrew Breton, andrew.breton@rva.gov,
Katherine Jordan, katherine.jordan@rva.gov,
Kenya Gibson, kenya.gibson@rva.gov,
Sarah Abubaker, sarah.abubaker@rva.gov,
Stephanie Lynch, stephanie.lynch@rva.gov,
Ellen Robertson, ellen.robertson@rva.gov,
Cynthia Newbille, cynthia.newbille@rva.gov,
Reva Trammell, reva.trammell@rva.gov,
Nicole Jones, nicole.jones@rva.gov,

Email the Richmond School Board:
Matthew Percival, mpercival@rvaschools.net,
Kathryn Ricard, kricard@rvaschools.net,
Ali Faruk, afaruk@rvaschools.net,
Wesley Hedgepeth, whedgepeth@rvaschools.net,
Stephanie Rizzi, srizzi@rvaschools.net,
Anne Holton, aholton@rvaschools.net,
Cheryl Burke, cburke2@rvaschools.net,
Emmett Jafari, ejafari@rvaschools.net,
Shavonda Fernandez, sdixon@rvaschools.net,

Richmond Virginia Virginia House of Delegates Virginia Senate Aaron Rouse Abigail Spanberger Adam Ebbin Ali Faruk Amendments Andrew Breton Angelia Williams Graves Anne Holton Barbara Favola Bill DeSteph Bryce Reeves Budget Cheryl Burke Christie Craig Christopher Head Creigh Deeds Cynthia Newbille Danica Roem Danny Diggs Data David Marsden David Suetterlein Destiny LeVere Bolling Education Ellen Robertson Emily Jordan Emmett Jafari Glen Sturtevant Governor Health Jennifer Boysko Jennifer Carroll Foy Jeremy McPike Kannan Srinivasan Katherine Jordan Kathryn Ricard Kenya Gibson Lamont Bagby Lashrecse Aird Legislation Louise Lucas Luther Cifers Mamie Locke Mark Obenshain Mark Peake Matthew Percival Michael Jones Nicole Jones Parents Reva Trammell Richard Stuart Richmond Richmond City Council Richmond School Board Russet Perry Ryan McDougle Saddam Salim Sarah Abubaker Schuyler VanValkenburg Scott Surovell Senate Shavonda Fernandez spending Stella Pekarsky Stephanie Lynch Stephanie Rizzi Tammy Mulchi Tara Durant Timmy French Todd Pillion Travis Hackworth Virginia Virginia Senate Wesley Hedgepeth William Stanley