A bill that exempts elected school boards from the requirement that they receive prior authorization from their local governing body prior to instituting any legal action against another government body has failed to move out of committee. SB 440 (Wexton) was passed by indefinitely on January 31 after being heard in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.
SB 440 was originally referred to the Senate Local Government Committee, where it narrowly reported to the full Senate by a vote of 8-7. Once it reached the Senate, however, it was rereferred to the Courts of Justice Committee. VACo met with committee members to discuss concerns and ultimately spoke on the floor in opposition.
The bill was passed by indefinitely by a 10-5 vote.
VACo Contact: Chris McDonald, Esq.