The bill amends Sections 28-9.3-7 and 28-9.4-8 of the General Laws, focusing on the certification process for negotiating agents representing certified school teachers and municipal employees. Key insertions include a new section titled "Certification of negotiating agent," which mandates that no organization can be certified without an election, ensuring employees have the right to join or decline membership. Elections are required to occur at least every twelve months and at least thirty days prior to the expiration of any employment contract. Additionally, the bill introduces the creation of "bargaining unit lists" to be distributed every 120 days, containing detailed employee information while maintaining confidentiality and exempting the lists from public records access.

Furthermore, the bill amends Chapter 36-11, specifically Section 36-11-2, to prohibit discrimination against state employees based on their membership in labor organizations. It requires employers to deduct biweekly membership dues from employees' salaries for the exclusive bargaining organization and to notify the exclusive representative of any new hires within five business days. A significant provision mandates that employers provide a comprehensive list of all employees in a bargaining unit to the exclusive representative organization at least every 120 days, ensuring the privacy of employee information while enhancing transparency and communication between employers and employee organizations. The act will take effect upon passage.

Statutes affected:
5266: 28-9.3-7, 28-9.4-8, 36-11-2