Trending Now - Virginia Legislature Approves Bill Mandating Accurate Jan. 6 Education

WHO:

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger (Democrat)

Delegate Dan I. Helmer (D-Fairfax), sponsor of House Bill 333

Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists, represented by executive director Michael Huffman

Senate Education and Health Committee Chair Sen. Barbara Favola (D-Arlington)

Delegate Jessica Anderson (D-Williamsburg)

Harry Dunn, former Capitol Police officer

President Trump

Supporters of President Trump

Virginia state Senate GOP leader (comment requested)

Chuck Lavine, Long Island Democratic state representative

Brendan Ballou, former Justice Department prosecutor

Mike Gordon, former prosecutor

WHAT:

Virginia lawmakers passed House Bill 333 on March 6, 2026.

The bill mandates that public schools describe the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot as a "violent attack" and prohibits framing it as a "peaceful protest."

The bill bars schools from presenting claims of widespread election fraud as credible.

The Virginia Senate passed the bill with a vote of 21-19, with all 19 opposing votes from Republicans.

The bill does not specify criminal penalties for violations.

The legislation is expected to be signed into law by Governor Spanberger.

WHERE:

Virginia, specifically the Virginia General Assembly

U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

Bill passed on March 6, 2026.

The Capitol riot occurred on January 6, 2021.

Governor Spanberger was elected in November 2025.

The Senate vote occurred on March 6, 2026.

WHY:

The bill aims to combat misinformation regarding the January 6 Capitol riot and ensure that students learn factual history.

Delegate Helmer expressed concern that President Trump is attempting to "rewrite the history of January 6."

HOW:

The bill requires that if schools teach about January 6, they must do so in accordance with the facts of the event.

The legislation was advanced through party-line votes in both the Virginia Senate and House.

Virginia lawmakers passed House Bill 333 today, which mandates that public schools describe the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot as a "violent attack" and prohibits framing it as a "peaceful protest." The Virginia Senate approved the bill with a narrow vote of 21-19, all opposing votes coming from Republicans, and it is expected to be signed into law by Governor Abigail Spanberger. This legislation aims to combat misinformation about the Capitol riot and ensure that students learn factual history, as expressed by Delegate Dan I. Helmer, who raised concerns about President Trump attempting to "rewrite the history of January 6."