Jason Ballard House Bill 103 Seeks to Extend Vital Early Intervention Services for Virginia Infants and Toddlers

Oct 6, 2026, 9:45 AM ET

House Bill 103 binder and children's toys on Delegate Jason Ballard's desk

RICHMOND, Va. — A bill introduced by Delegate Jason Ballard to extend Virginia’s Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities has failed to advance in the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly. House Bill 103, chief patroned by Ballard of the 42nd District, directed the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to implement the federal extension option under the federal Early Intervention Program. This measure aimed to allow eligible children to receive continued services through four years of age, providing a smoother transition for families navigating developmental challenges.

Virginia’s Early Intervention Program currently serves infants and toddlers from birth to three years of age who exhibit developmental delays or disabilities. In Fiscal Year 2025 alone, the program reached 23,429 eligible infants, toddlers, and their families, delivering essential therapies, family training, and support services designed to foster early development and independence. By leveraging the federal extension option available under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, HB103 sought to align state policy with federal flexibility, extending eligibility without creating entirely new programs.

Delegate Ballard, a Republican representing Giles, Montgomery (part), Pulaski (part), and the City of Radford since 2022, introduced the legislation early in the session. The bill progressed to the House Health and Human Services Committee’s Social Services Subcommittee, where it was considered on January 22, 2026. A fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget, released February 2, 2026, analyzed potential effects on state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program expenditures, noting the program’s existing scale and the implications of expanded coverage.

Public testimony during committee hearings underscored the bill’s potential to enhance outcomes for vulnerable children. Supporters highlighted how extended services could prevent gaps in care, allowing toddlers to build critical skills before entering preschool or kindergarten special education systems. This continuity is particularly valuable for families in rural districts like Ballard’s 42nd, where access to specialized services can be challenging.

The legislation’s focus on early intervention reflects a practical approach to supporting families, emphasizing prevention and development over reactive measures. Early services have long been recognized for their role in reducing long-term dependency on public systems, promoting self-sufficiency for children with disabilities. HB103’s use of an existing federal mechanism demonstrated efficient governance, tapping into authorized funds and guidelines without necessitating broad new state mandates.

Despite subcommittee review and referral recommendations to Appropriations in some agendas, HB103 ultimately received a ‘Failed’ status. Roll call records from February 2, 2026, document the proceedings, with the bill listed as a partisan effort led by Republicans. The failure comes amid broader debates in the House of Delegates on health and human services priorities.

Ballard’s sponsorship aligns with his legislative record on issues affecting families and communities in southwest Virginia. As an attorney and veteran advocate, he has consistently prioritized measures that strengthen support for constituents facing hardships. The bill’s text was straightforward: ‘Directs the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to take all steps necessary to implement the federal extension option for the federal Early Intervention Program.’

Advocacy groups, including those focused on autism and developmental services, tracked HB103 closely, viewing it as a step toward better coordination between early intervention and school-based supports. The Virginia Association of Community-Based Providers noted the directive to DBHDS in their updates, emphasizing the bipartisan appeal in public comments, though the measure’s Republican leadership highlighted targeted family assistance.

While HB103 did not pass, its introduction spotlighted the ongoing needs of Virginia’s youngest residents with disabilities. With over 23,000 families already engaged, extending services to age four could have amplified the program’s impact, aiding children in districts from urban centers to rural areas like Pearisburg, Ballard’s home base. The fiscal analysis provided lawmakers with data on Medicaid implications, informing future considerations on balancing service expansion with budgetary responsibilities.

As the 2026 session continues, similar priorities may resurface, with delegates like Ballard continuing to advocate for policies that empower parents and promote early childhood development. The bill’s journey, from introduction to committee scrutiny, illustrates the rig

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