LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6715 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 18, 2024
BILL NUMBER: SB 501 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Discussable Items for Teachers.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Ford J.D. BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill requires a school employer to discuss certain items with the exclusive
representative of certificated employees. The bill provides that the obligation to discuss does not require
either party to enter into a contract, agree to a proposal, or make a concession related to the discussable
items. It makes it an unfair practice for a school employer to refuse to discuss certain items with an exclusive
representative. It also removes language that excludes a discussion or meeting to discuss items between a
school employer and an exclusive representative from the provision that establishes instances in which
executive sessions may be held.
Effective Date: July 1, 2025.
Explanation of State Expenditures: To the extent, if any, that the bill’s provisions increase the number of
unfair labor practice complaints submitted to the Indiana Education Employment Relations Board (IEERB),
expenditures could increase.
Additional Information - Upon receiving an unfair labor practice complaint, IEERB provides notice to the
subject of the complaint and appoints a hearing examiner who will review the case. If the case can not be
resolved through an agreement by the parties, the hearing examiner will issue a decision. This decision may
be appealed to IEERB who will make a final decision that is subject to judicial review by the courts.
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: The bill’s provisions requiring schools to meet with the exclusive
representative of their school’s certified employees and discuss certain topics will increase a school’s
workload. These discussions may also lead to additional expenditures by local schools due to negotiated
contracts that are over and above what might have been granted by the units without the requirements to
discuss the topics outlined in the bill.
Ultimately, the impact will depend upon any changes to current agreements and negotiations at the local
level.
SB 501 1 Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Indiana Education Employment Relations Board.
Local Agencies Affected: Public schools.
Information Sources:
Fiscal Analyst: Kelan Fong, 317-232-9592.
SB 501 2