The bill amends various sections of the General Laws in Rhode Island concerning regional vocational schools, charter public schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies. It introduces provisions that require these educational institutions to maintain neutrality regarding employee unionization by mandating the inclusion of a "union neutrality clause" in their charters upon renewal or application for new charters. This clause prohibits schools from expressing positions on unionization or taking adverse actions against employees based on their decision to support or oppose union representation.

The bill also specifies that the administration at regional vocational schools, charter public schools, independent charter schools, and mayoral academies must not threaten, intimidate, discriminate against, retaliate against, or take any adverse action against employees regarding their unionization decisions. Additionally, it requires that bona fide labor organizations be granted access to meet with employees to discuss their rights and employment conditions.

Severability clauses are included to ensure that if any provision of the legislation is deemed invalid, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable. The bill outlines clearer procedures for the creation and operation of district charter schools and independent charter schools, emphasizing the need for financial accountability and requiring that teachers and administrators in district charter schools be certified and entitled to the same wages and benefits as their counterparts in non-chartered public schools.

Statutes affected:
912: 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2
912  SUB A: 16-45-6, 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2, 16-77.4-2, 16-114-4
912  SUB A as amended: 16-45-6, 16-77.2-2, 16-77.3-2, 16-77.4-2, 16-114-4