Summary of HRES 297

Bill Number: HRES 297

Title: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that paraprofessionals and education support staff should have fair compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

Status: Submitted in House

Introduced: April 07, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 297 aims to express the House of Representatives' support for fair treatment of paraprofessionals and education support staff in the education sector. The resolution emphasizes the need for competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and improved working conditions for these essential workers, recognizing their critical role in supporting students and educational environments.

Key Provisions

The resolution outlines several key provisions that should be afforded to paraprofessionals and education support staff:

1. Compensation and Benefits:

   • Competitive, livable wages.
   • Access to high-quality, affordable healthcare with minimal personal costs.
   • Eligibility for the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
   • 16 weeks of paid family and medical leave.
   • Paid leave for all planned and unforeseen school closures.

2. Professional Development:

   • Access to meaningful professional growth opportunities during paid working hours.
   • Sufficient resources, including up-to-date technology and training.

3. Workplace Rights:

   • Representation in policy-making organizations.
   • Notification and input regarding the implementation of new technologies.
   • Participation in meetings related to students they support.
   • Safe working environments free from recognized hazards.
   • Adequate staffing levels to ensure effective job performance.

4. Employment Security:

   • Notification regarding employment duration.
   • Employment contracts with automatic renewal provisions and just cause termination clauses.
   • A process for reporting workplace issues without fear of retaliation.

5. Collective Bargaining:

   • Employers should engage in good faith negotiations and strive for fair contracts.
   • Prohibition against replacing or locking out workers who engage in strikes.

6. Protection of Existing Agreements:

   • The resolution does not supersede any existing collective bargaining agreements that provide better terms than those outlined.

Affected Parties

This resolution primarily affects paraprofessionals and education support staff in schools, including teaching assistants, administrative support, and other educational roles. It also impacts school employers and policymakers responsible for education and labor standards.

Legislative Actions

• April 07, 2025: The bill was referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce and submitted in the House.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by a diverse group of representatives, including:
- Primary Sponsor: Jahana Hayes
- Cosponsors: LaMonica McIver, Lloyd Doggett, Yassamin Ansari, Mike Thompson, and many others, totaling over 40 cosponsors.

Related Bills

• SRES 158: A companion resolution in the Senate addressing similar issues.

This resolution serves as a formal expression of the House's commitment to improving the working conditions and rights of paraprofessionals and education support staff, highlighting their vital contributions to the educational system.