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 the appointment, promotion, and dismissal of professional employees within this department will be at the discretion of the commissioner of elementary and secondary education, with certain exceptions for assistant commissioners and state-operated school positions. Additionally, it stipulates that non-classified employees with twenty years of service will acquire full status in their positions, while also ensuring that employees who had permanent status prior to May 7, 1981, retain their status.

Importantly, the bill introduces new language that protects 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. This provision ensures 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:
987: 16-60-7