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SB 897

Overtime for certain employees; domestic service workers and live-in domestic workers.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Carroll Foy

SB 897 would extend overtime pay protections to Virginia's domestic and live-in workers; vetoed by Governor and Senate override failed.

Senate sustained Governor's veto
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 897

Legislative bill overview

SB 897 would have extended overtime protections to domestic service workers and live-in domestic workers in Virginia, requiring employers to pay overtime compensation for hours worked beyond a certain threshold. The bill was passed by the Virginia legislature but was vetoed by the Governor on March 24, 2025, and the Senate did not have the votes to override the veto.

Why is this important

Domestic workers—including housekeepers, nannies, and caregivers—have historically been excluded from federal Fair Labor Standards Act protections, meaning they often work long hours without overtime pay. This bill would have addressed a significant labor protection gap affecting thousands of Virginia workers, many of whom are among the state's most vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact on households: Extending overtime requirements increases labor costs for families and individuals who employ domestic workers, potentially reducing hours or forcing difficult budget decisions
  • Enforcement challenges: Monitoring compliance in private homes is inherently difficult, raising questions about practical implementation and whether protections would meaningfully reach workers
  • Definition ambiguity: Determining which workers qualify as "domestic service" versus independent contractors or other classifications could create legal disputes and uneven application

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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