With 1/3 of the 2025 legislative session behind us, things will start to move faster and become more intense as bills move through committees and amendments are written.
New to the list:
SB 5009 is a bill that invites clarification for when schools need to hire drivers with commercial driver’s licenses. The bill outlines transportation allocations from the state, which will not impact private schools. However, their new definition of “school bus” will. WFIS asks that you read the bill and provide feedback to your legislators and to WFIS so we can accurately reflect the changes you need to see in this bill.
From last week:
Please contact your legislators!
WFIS is “PRO” on these bills:
HB1618 would give private school students the same access to free college credits through the CiHS program outlined for public, charter, and tribal school students in 2023.
SSB 5190 will allow a Tier 1 public school, private school, or school district to request an extension to meet state energy performance standards in their K-12 school buildings.
House Bill 1648 helps early learning teachers by modifying teacher qualifications and extending the complete staff qualification requirements timeline to at least August 1, 2035.
HB 1184 changes overtime exemption rules by “creating a narrow exemption from overtime provisions for certain nonprofits and small businesses.”
SB 5240 needs an amendment. It allows only nurses to administer an EpiPen to a student having an anaphylaxis reaction but without previously prescribed medication. WFIS is asking for nurses AND trained personnel to have the ability to save a student’s life.
SB 5506 extends the start date of licensing living accommodations for boarding schools. WFIS worked with DCYF and SBE to garner support for the extension.
WFIS is encouraging conversation on this bill:
HB 1140, a School Choice bill, would establish educational savings accounts. Over 2,600people signed up “Pro” to support this bill.
WFIS is “CON” on these bills:
SB 5062 and HB 1128 are concurrent bills promoted by the state labor council that require teachers to attend union training meetings or provide the union with personal contact information. The bill also permits the Workforce Standards Board to conduct investigations of program facilities and set pay scales above those already outlined by state law. These laws directly conflict with independent schools’ ability to design early learning programs aligned with their mission and values.
Please continue your efforts to inform your legislators that these bills should not pass.
