The bill amends Section 16-60-7 of the General Laws concerning the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. It establishes that the board of regents will maintain a department responsible for various educational functions. The bill clarifies that nothing in this section shall limit or interfere with the rights of professional, administrative, and secretarial employees of the department of education to collectively bargain pursuant to chapters 11 of title 36 and chapter 7 of title 28 over all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, salaries, terms of service, and dismissal. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the commissioner or the department cannot abrogate any agreements reached through collective bargaining. The act is set to take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5227: 16-60-7