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 (NEA), the nation's largest teachers union, collects membership dues from public employees. If passed, the bill would require that teachers and other public employees must be explicitly told about their right to opt out of union membership, must actively agree in writing to join and pay dues, and cannot have dues automatically deducted from their paychecks without separate authorization. The bill also requires unions to process membership cancellation requests quickly. **Who it affects:** This legislation primarily affects public school teachers and other state and local government employees who are members of the NEA or its affiliates, as well as the union itself and its leadership.
It could indirectly impact school funding and labor relations since unions use membership dues to fund operations, advocacy, and services. **Current status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. This type of legislation reflects ongoing debates about union membership requirements and First Amendment rights in the public sector.
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.