Subcommittee advances bill to clarify pay when schools take teachers�planning or lunch periods

Delegate Delia Maldonado asked the subcommittee to report House Bill 670, saying the bill clarifies that when school systems remove teachersplanning or lunch periods and require them to teach, those teachers are due earned wages.

The bill attaches an amendment that — according to committee staff reading the change aloud — adds a waiver of sovereign immunity for causes of action brought under the section against the commonwealth, its agencies and political subdivisions. Maldonado said the language merely clarifies that existing labor- and employment-protections apply equally to public employees and reduces litigation over threshold questions.

Committee members asked about potential fiscal impacts to local governments. Maldonado said she had not received a fiscal letter this session and could not point to a large local cost and noted the measure had been vetoed last year after passing the General Assembly. No public witnesses opposed the bill.

By roll call, the subcommittee reported HB670 with amendments to the Appropriations Committee by a 5-2 vote.

The bill will next be considered by Appropriations; the committee did not vote on final passage today.