This bill aims to restrict the use of taxpayer funds and resources by public education employers in South Dakota to support labor organizations or their affiliates. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "affiliate," "employee," "labor organization," and "public education employer," among others. The bill explicitly prohibits public education employers from using public funds for various activities related to labor organizations, including deducting dues from employee pay, providing personal employee information without consent, and favoring one labor organization over another.
Additionally, the bill allows for certain exceptions where public education employers can enter into agreements with labor organizations for employees to engage in labor activities, provided that specific conditions are met, such as the employee not losing pay or benefits during representational activities. Violations of these provisions can result in civil penalties, which will be collected by the attorney general and deposited into the state general fund. The bill also permits individuals to file complaints regarding violations, seeking injunctive relief and damages.