CRAZY!

As we close in on the Friday deadline for committee action on bills in the chamber of origin the legislative pace is rushed. 

The Senate Committee on Education and Health killed Senator Obenshain's SB1063 on a 14-0 vote to PBI (Pass by Indefinitely), which would have allowed charter school teachers to be denied VRS coverage, and allowed unlicensed teachers to teach in charter schools.

YEAS--Martin, Saslaw, Howell, Newman, Locke, Barker, Smith, McWaters, Black, Carrico, Garrett, Petersen, Cosgrove, Lewis--14.

NAYS--0.

Senator Obenshain brings this bill back every year.  What is the definition of insanity?

The committee reported SB 1386, which requires training on dyslexia prior to initial licensure or re-licensure.  VEA contends that this training should be provided as in-service paid for by the employer, rather than required as a condition of licensure.  The General Assembly just keeps adding to the list of licensure requirements.

The Civil Laws Subcommittee of House Courts and Justice reported HB1328, which will require school personnel to determine and report the immigration status of school children (As if we don't have enough to do!)  The unintended consequence of such legislation would be to make immigrant children stay out of school. 

Delegate Hugo's HB1744, which give local school boards the option of utilizing a three person panel rather than a hearing officer for teacher dismissal cases, is before the House Committee on Counties, Cities, and Towns tomorrow morning.  When introduced this bill included local government employees, not it only address the teacher grievance procedure.