Requests collaboration among La. School Boards Assoc., La. Assoc. of School Superintendents, La. Federation of Teachers, La. Assoc. of Educators, and Associated Professional Educators of La. in ensuring equal access to membership in union and nonunion organizations
Impact
If adopted, HR199 would not establish binding legal requirements but would encourage local educational leaders and associations to work together towards fair access to membership opportunities. This collaborative initiative is designed to promote the rights of employees within public schools, ensuring they can join any professional organization that aligns with their interests, thus fostering a more equitable environment across Louisiana's educational landscape.
Summary
House Resolution 199 urges collaboration among key educational leaders and organizations within Louisiana to ensure equal access to membership in both union and nonunion professional organizations for public school employees. The resolution recognizes Louisiana as a 'right-to-work' state, emphasizing the importance of allowing employees to freely choose their professional affiliations without coercion or limitation. The bill reflects an effort to affirm these rights and address disparities that may exist within certain school districts, where access to these organizations may have been unevenly distributed, particularly in the absence of collective bargaining agreements.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HR199 appears supportive overall, as it seeks to protect employee choice and support the fundamental rights inherent to a right-to-work state. Advocates for the resolution likely see it as a positive step towards inclusivity and equity in professional representation for educational employees. However, the focus on equal access might raise discussion about the nature of union influence and the balance of power between unionized and nonunionized groups in the state's education system.
Contention
While HR199 encourages positive changes, potential points of contention could arise regarding the dynamics of union versus nonunion organizations within public schools. Critics may argue about the role and influence of unions in educational policy and employee representation. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding how effectively such collaborations can be implemented in practice, and whether true equity can be achieved in a system where some organizations are unionized while others are not.
Requests the Louisiana School Boards Association, the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents, and the Louisiana Association of School Business Officials to jointly survey local school boards to determine the additional costs associated with certain audit requirements.
Requests the Louisiana School Boards Association and the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools to study and report relative to the local cost of standardized testing associated with state assessments
Requests that the La. School Boards Association develop and implement a training program for school board members on harassment, intimidation, and bullying of students
Requests the Louisiana District Attorneys Association to study the procedure of the constructive surrender of a defendant and the "reasonable costs" associated therewith
Requests that the Bd. of Regents and the State Bd. of Elementary and Secondary Education, with the Taylor Foundation, La. Office of Student Financial Assistance, public postsecondary education management boards, and certain others, study certain issues relative to TOPS
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Creates a task force to study meaningful oversight of the professional healthcare licensing boards statutorily created within the Department of Health and Hospitals.