Bill > SB183

This bill, titled the "Employee Preference Act," establishes that all individuals have the right to form, join, or assist labor organizations, or to refrain from such activities, without fear of penalty. It defines "employer" broadly to include various governmental entities and "labor organization" as any group dealing with employers on employment terms. Crucially, the bill prohibits employers from requiring employees to join a labor organization or pay dues, fees, or other charges to a labor organization or a third party in its place as a condition of hiring, promotion, or continued employment. It also forbids employers from requiring employees to be approved or cleared by a labor organization for employment. Agreements violating these provisions are declared unlawful, and the Attorney General and district attorneys are tasked with investigating and prosecuting violations, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. The bill also allows for injunctive relief and recovery of damages for those harmed by violations, with certain exceptions for federal employment and laws. Additionally, this bill amends the Public Employee Bargaining Act to remove the concept of "fair share" fees and explicitly prohibits requiring public employees to pay money to a labor organization as a condition of employment, reinforcing the right to not join or pay dues.