Plain Language Summary
# STUDENT Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The STUDENT Act (Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act) would change how the National Education Association (the largest teachers union in the U.S.) collects membership dues from public employees. If passed, the union would need to get explicit, written consent from each member before collecting dues—including through payroll deduction. The bill also requires unions to process membership cancellation requests quickly and sets new operational rules for the organization. **Who It Affects:** This bill primarily affects teachers and other public employees who are members of the National Education Association or its state and local chapters, as well as the union itself.
Teachers would gain the ability to more easily opt out of membership and dues payment, while the union's funding model would change significantly. **Key Provisions:** Members must be clearly informed of their right to refuse membership, must actively consent to joining and paying dues (rather than automatically enrolling), and cannot have dues taken through payroll deduction without explicit authorization. The union must quickly process requests to cancel membership. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wisconsin) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act or the STUDENT ActThis bill revises the federal charter for the National Education Association.The bill specifies that the corporation and its state and local affiliates may only accept payment of membership dues or fees from a state or local government employee if the employee (1) has been notified of the employee's right under the First Amendment to refrain from membership and payment of associated dues or fees, (2) has clearly and affirmatively consented to membership and payment of associated dues or fees, and (3) has authorized the transmittal of membership dues or fees without the use of payroll deduction.Further, the corporation and its state or local affiliates must process and honor cancellation requests for membership or payment of dues as soon as practicable following receipt of the request.The bill also outlines requirements for the corporation, such as prohibiting the corporation or its directors or officers from contributing to, supporting, or participating in political activities;requiring each officer of the corporation to be a U.S. citizen; requiring the corporation to submit annual reports to Congress;prohibiting the corporation and its affiliates from requiring staff, officers, affiliates, or members to affirm, adopt, or adhere to certain principles related to race or sex; andprohibiting the corporation and its affiliates from calling or participating in a strike, work stoppage, or slowdown affecting a state or local government.The bill repeals the corporation's exemption from District of Columbia property taxes.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.