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Bill > HB263
PA HB263
In definitions, further providing for the definition of "maintenance of membership"; in employee rights, further providing for lawful activities and providing for rights and privileges and for civil actions; and, in scope of bargaining, further providing for proper subjects of bargaining.
summary
Introduced
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
In Committee
01/22/2025
01/22/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of July 23, 1970 (P.L.563, No.195), entitled "An act establishing rights in public employes to organize and bargain collectively through selected representatives; defining public employes to include employes of nonprofit organizations and institutions; providing compulsory mediation and fact-finding, for collective bargaining impasses; providing arbitration for certain public employes for collective bargaining impasses; defining the scope of collective bargaining; establishing unfair employe and employer practices; prohibiting strikes for certain public employes; permitting strikes under limited conditions; providing penalties for violations; and establishing procedures for implementation," in definitions, further providing for the definition of "maintenance of membership"; in employee rights, further providing for lawful activities and providing for rights and privileges and for civil actions; and, in scope of bargaining, further providing for proper subjects of bargaining.
AI Summary
This bill modifies the Public Employe Relations Act to significantly change the rules governing labor unions and their members' rights. The bill eliminates the previous "maintenance of membership" provision, which required union members to remain in the union for the duration of a collective bargaining agreement, and instead provides expanded rights for public employees. These new rights include equal participation in union ratification meetings, the ability to speak freely about the union, freedom to join or leave the union at any time, and the right to transparency regarding union dues and fees. The bill requires unions to provide annual accounting of their activities and dues, and to provide members with copies of membership documents upon request. Furthermore, the bill allows public employees to bring civil actions if their rights under these new provisions are violated, with the potential to recover legal costs if they prevail. The changes will apply to collective bargaining agreements entered into, extended, or modified after the bill's effective date, which is 60 days after passage. The legislation aims to provide public employees with more individual choice and transparency in their relationship with labor unions.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Referred to LABOR AND INDUSTRY (on 01/22/2025)
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