Virginia

Decoded

This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.

§ 1-240.1 Rights of parents

A parent has a fundamental right to make decisions concerning the upbringing, education, and care of the parent’s child.

History

This law was first created in 2013. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 668 and 678 of that year’s edition of “Acts of Assembly,” the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.

2013, cc. 668, 678.

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What This Is

This is a law from the Code of Virginia. This is the actual, unchanged text of one of the many laws that govern Virginia.

Trust, But Verify

The text of this law was last verified on Aug 02, 2026. But if you’re reading this for anything important, you should double-check its accuracy—read § 1-240.1 on the official Code of Virginia website.

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Court Decisions

Carlos Ibanez v. Albemarle County School Board (COA, 02/20/24)
. . . COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA . . .
Kaniesha Shatae Hannon v. Commonwealth of Virginia (COA, 08/22/17)
. . . COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA . . .
Ryan Bedell v. Christina Price and Walter Ryan Matzuk (COA, 06/11/19)
. . . COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA . . .
Thomas Fullen Williams v. Maggie Kelly Panter (COA, 02/04/25)
. . . COURT OF APPEALS OF VIRGINIA . . .

Court opinions are provided by CourtListener, which is developed by the Free Law Project.

Amendment Attempts

HB1642: Parental rights; fundamental right to make decisions concerning upbringing, etc., of their child. (passed)
SB908: Parental rights; fundamental right to make decisions concerning upbringing, etc., of their child. (passed)
HB2373: Public elementary and secondary school students; parents' bill of rights established. (failed)
HB721: Parents of public school children; fundamental right to opt children out of certain ed. content.
SB563: Public elementary and secondary schools; parent's right to opt children out of certain ed. content.