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SB 28

Overtime for certain employees; pay for domestic workers, delayed effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Carroll Foy

SB 28 extends overtime pay and labor protections to Virginia domestic workers, establishing new wage standards for previously unregulated household employment.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 28

Legislative bill overview

SB 28 extends overtime protections and establishes pay standards for domestic workers in Virginia, categories historically excluded from federal labor protections. The bill has passed initial Senate readings and committee amendments, with a delayed effective date to allow implementation planning.

Why is this important

Domestic workers—housekeepers, nannies, caregivers—often work long hours without overtime compensation or basic labor protections. This bill directly affects working conditions and income for a largely informal workforce, while creating compliance obligations for households and employers who hire domestic staff.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement challenges: Domestic work occurs in private homes, making compliance monitoring and wage violation investigation significantly more difficult than traditional workplaces
  • Cost to households: Families employing domestic workers will face increased labor costs, potentially affecting affordability of childcare and elder care services
  • Definition and scope ambiguity: Questions remain about which domestic roles are covered, how part-time arrangements are treated, and whether exemptions exist for family members or small household operations
  • Federal preemption concerns: Potential conflict with federal Fair Labor Standards Act exemptions that currently exclude domestic workers from certain protections

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

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