Looks good based on the context. As an autistic student I struggled to make friends and I struggled even more to learn another language. Because of that I was forced into ABA ‘therapy’ where I was tortured for being myself. This bill is a good start to fixing it assuming by behavioral health you mean guardrails to ABA users and ending behaviorism once and for all.

On behalf of Hamkae Center, we believe students learn best when they have the appropriate supports they need. We support Delegate Rasoul's bill HB1954 as written shows an investment towards funding for resources, training teachers, and school systems to help augment helps support education access to high quality information. This allows all students, no matter what barriers they may face has the ability to communicate AND receive supports that they need. This is a great opportunity which will ensure that all emergent bilingual, multilingual and ELL students are able to communicate with each other and their teachers so that all students will be able to benefit fully from all educational programs and services that the Commonwealth has to offer. Suja S. Mathew Advocacy Manager

Special Education, low income, and English language learners are unique students and therefore, require unique resources and funding. Schools are legally required to provide identified extra services to these students in many cases, yet the current funding system fails to account for this. The need for additional resources for these students is critical. The Virginia PTA supports HB1954.

The Virginia Assocation of School Superintendents is in strong support of HB 1831 and HB 1954. The items listed in these bill have been on the top of our priorities for a number years. Thank you, Dr. Tom Smith VASS