The Latest from VEA

Of the total bills (1,774) introduced in each chamber during the 2021 Regular Session of the General Assembly, 384 Senate Bills and 626 House Bills made it through to “crossover.” On Tuesday, The General Assembly reached Sine Die and today gaveled back into a Special Session to consider the Budget Bill (HB1800/SB1100) and “crossover” bills.  Of the eight VEA Priority Bills filed in the Regular Session, five passed their respective chamber and made it through to “crossover.”

HB 1736, introduced by Delegate Dawn Adams, prohibits any individual who provides nursing services in a public elementary or secondary school as a school board employee or through a contract with the local health department from using the title of school nurse unless such individual is a registered nurse who possesses an active license to practice in the Commonwealth. HB1736 is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Education and Health Subcommittee on Public Educator on Thursday, February 10, 2021.  To watch the hearing, provide a public written comment or speak to HB1736, please go here.

SB 1401, introduced by Senator Todd Pillion, reduces the total number and type of required Standards of Learning assessments to the minimum requirements established by the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, as amended. It’s anticipated that SB 1401 will receive a hearing on Monday of next week.  We will keep you updated as to the action needed to move this forward in the House of Delegates

SB 1257, sponsored by Senator Jennifer McClellan, modifies a school personnel requirement in Standard 2 of the Standards of Quality. It requires each school board to provide at least three specialized student support positions, including school social workers, school psychologists, school nurses, licensed behavior analysts, licensed assistant behavior analysts, and other licensed health and behavioral positions, per 1,000 students. The provisions of the bill are contingent on funding in a general appropriation act.  It is likely that SB1257 will receive a hearing early next week.

HJ 549, sponsored by Delegate Nancy Guy and SJ 308 sponsored by Senator Mamie Lucas, directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the impact of COVID-19 on Virginia’s public schools, students, and school employees, including examining six priority areas.

The VEA is currently reviewing the House and Senate Budget Proposals in detail and will be providing in-depth analysis in today’s General Assembly Daily Report.  Stay Tuned.