Relating to public education; to amend Section 16-22-6, Code of Alabama 1975; to provide for salary deductions for membership dues of professional educators' associations.
Impact
By institutionalizing salary deductions for educators' association dues, SB140 could increase membership in these professional bodies, which may enhance the representation and bargaining power of educators in Alabama. This could lead to a more organized approach to addressing issues related to education policy and labor negotiations. The bill will primarily affect how local education institutions handle payroll deductions, making it easier for educators to manage their membership dues and fostering a more cohesive educational workforce.
Summary
Senate Bill 140 (SB140) seeks to amend Section 16-22-6 of the Code of Alabama 1975, establishing a requirement for local boards of education and certain postsecondary institutions to implement policies that facilitate deductions from employee salaries specifically for the membership dues of professional educators' associations. This bill aims to streamline the process by which educators can have their dues automatically deducted from their wages, thus promoting membership in professional organizations vital for educators' advocacy and support.
Contention
Notably, the bill's introduction could spark discussions around the role of professional associations in education. While supporters may argue that automatic deductions enhance financial security for educators and support professional development, opponents might raise concerns about potential coercion in membership, arguing that the automatic setup may pressure educators into joining unions or associations without adequate consideration. Such discussions may lead to broader debates about labor rights and the autonomy of educational institutions in Alabama.
True School Choice for Alabama Act, established to provide education savings accounts (ESAs) for parents of children to use in providing education services for those children.
Alabama Math and Science Teacher Education Program (AMSTEP), renamed the Loan Assistance in Support of Educators in Alabama (LASEA) Program; providing loan assistance in acute educator shortage programs as determined by the Alabama Commission on Higher Education in consultation with the State Department of Education
Bail Bonds; Bail Reform Act of 1993 and Bail Bond Regulatory Act amended; certain undeposited fees forgiven; penalties for crime of bail jumping increased; to provide further for conditional forfeitures, out-of-state bondsmen and sureties, limitations on property owners as sureties; to provide further for the definition of an employee of a professional bail bond company or professional surety company, for the licensing and duties of apprentices; to increase the membership of the Alabama Professional Bail Bonding Board; provide for a late fee for renewals; and to require applicants for licensing to be residents of this state for at least one year