Legislature Passes Manchin's School Calendar Bill

The state Senate suspended its rules to allow an early vote and then unanimously sent Gov. Joe Manchin his school calendar proposal without amendments, The Associated Press reports.

Senate Education Bob Plymale, D-Wayne, had told AP earlier that his committee was weigh amendments to the bill. But he appeared to delay those plans Tuesday, while urging fellow senators to pass the bill as a first step toward addressing student instruction time.

The House had sent the bill to the Senate on Monday, by a 92-1 vote. It is the first item from Manchin's 2010 agenda to head his way since the 60-day session began Jan. 13.

Teachers groups and lawmakers had offered their views on the bill, and its prospects for passage, to AP earlier.