Legislative Briefs
Workplace Fairness Act
What it does: This bill in its current form would address sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, including extending the statute of limitations to seven years to file civil action for violations of the law. It would also prohibit employers from requesting an employee enter into a resignation agreement. The bill would require employers to adopt written policies containing procedures and practices for reduction and prevention of discrimination and sexual assault.
What’s new: The Senate Workforce Committee heard testimony Feb. 12. OSBA Litigation Services Director Haley Percell testified about concerns with the bill.
What’s next: The bill is being amended with stakeholders’ input, and it will be brought back to committee when the amendment is completed.
Class size in mandatory bargaining
What it does: This bill would amend the definition of "employment relations" to include class size and caseload limits as a mandatory collective bargaining subject for school districts. For school districts, this means that during the collective bargaining process, teachers could strike if there was not an agreement at the bargaining table.
What’s new: The bill, which is similar to a bill that failed last session, is scheduled to be heard Monday, Feb. 18, in the Senate Education Committee.
What’s next: OSBA will testify in opposition to making class size a mandatory subject of bargaining.