School start date bill in committee

A bill that would require all public schools to begin their school year after Labor Day starting in the 2020-21 school year is awaiting consideration in the Senate Education Committee.

Senate Bill 204 was introduced Jan. 15 by Sen. Gerald Hocker, R-Ocean View, with bipartisan sponsorship that includes Senate President Pro Tempore Sen. David McBride, D-Wilmington Manor, and Rep. Earl Jacques, D-Glasgow.

By starting schools after Labor Day, the bill estimates the state and local munipalities could get about $21 million in taxes, using Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association estimates. The bill states Maryland is also considering pushing school year start times after Labor Day, which a Maryland study found would generate about $74 million in economic activity and about $7 million in state and local revenue.