Committee accepts substitute for HB 27 to extend overtime protections to domestic workers

Summary

HB 27, a cognate to SB 28, would add domestic workers — including nannies, caregivers and live‑in workers — to Virginia's overtime protections; the committee accepted a substitute aligning language with the Senate version and reported the bill 5–2 after supportive testimony from worker groups.

Delegate Henson presented HB 27 and an accompanying substitute to extend overtime protections to domestic workers, including live‑in caregivers, nannies, cleaners and cooks.

The substitute edits language to align the House bill with its Senate counterpart and clarifies definitions for domestic services and live‑in domestic workers. Supporters — including Care in Action and SEIU representatives — urged the committee to reinstate overtime rights for workers who have historically been excluded. "Domestic workers have long been excluded from core labor protections," a witness said, urging passage.

The substitute was moved and seconded, accepted by the committee, and HB 27 was reported with amendments by a recorded vote of 5–2. The measure will proceed with the substitute language for further consideration in the legislative process.

Supporters framed the bill as restoring parity with other sectors; the committee recorded no public opposition in the hearing record.