SB 570 (Ebbin) proposes several changes to Code, including expanding the definition of “employer” under the Virginia Human Rights Act, to include any government or political subdivision, or agent of such government or political subdivision, employing more than five employees for each working day in each of 20 or more calendar weeks in the current or preceding calendar year. The bill also reduces the number of employees from 15 to 6 for the act to apply to employers. Of specific concern to VACo, SB 570 contains a provision that waives sovereign immunity for all government agencies and political subdivisions under the definition of “person” in the legislation.
VACo’s legislative program opposes any substantive change in local governments’ present defense of sovereign immunity.
VACo Contacts: Jeremy R. Bennett and Phyllis Errico, Esq., CAE