Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed SB739 on Feb. 16, empowering parents by creating a parental opt-out from local school mask mandates, and ensuring five day a week in-person instruction. 

The bill will take effect immediately, providing school districts a transition period to comply by March 1. Youngkin issued the following statement on this legislation for Virginia’s parents and students:  “Since day one, we have worked to empower Virginia parents who want to have a voice in the upbringing and education of their children. This is a defining moment and decisive victory for parents and kids across the Commonwealth. We are reaffirming that parents matter by signing SB739, effectively giving parents the ability to opt-out of school mask mandates.”