Virginia lawmakers passed HB 333, a bill requiring public schools to teach the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot as a violent attack and prohibiting it from being described as a peaceful protest.

The legislation also bars presenting claims of widespread election fraud as credible, though it does not impose criminal penalties for violations.

The bill was sponsored by Delegate Dan I. Helmer, a Fairfax Democrat and Iraq War veteran, who has been active in gun control and electoral issues.

Critics, including the Virginia Assembly of Independent Baptists, argue the law politicizes education rather than serving students’ interests, Fox News has reported.

The measure comes amid broader Democratic efforts in Virginia, including congressional redistricting and shaping public narratives around recent political events.