H.R. 4658: Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act

This bill, titled the "Stopping Teachers Unions from Damaging Education Needs Today Act," aims to amend existing law concerning the National Education Association (NEA), which is a federally chartered labor union for educators in the United States. The bill includes several key provisions and requirements for the NEA and its affiliates.

Membership Requirements

The bill specifies conditions under which the NEA may accept membership dues from state or local government employees. These include:

• Employees must be informed of their right to refrain from membership and related dues.
• Employees must give explicit consent to join and pay dues.
• Dues cannot be collected through payroll deductions.

Additionally, the bill requires that membership cancellation requests be processed promptly.

Political Activity Restrictions

The NEA and its affiliates would be prohibited from:

• Contributing to, supporting, or participating in any political activities.
• Any form of discrimination in membership or governance based on race, religion, gender, and other factors.

Requirements for Organization and Governance

Further stipulations include:

• Officers must be U.S. citizens.
• The NEA must maintain its tax-exempt status.
• The governance structure should represent the broader membership, avoiding concentration of power in a small number of individuals.
• Annual reports must be submitted to Congress regarding the NEA's activities.

Prohibitions on Advocacy and Educational Content

The bill prohibits the NEA from requiring or encouraging beliefs that suggest:

• The U.S. is fundamentally racist or sexist.
• Individuals are inherently oppressive based on their race or sex.
• Promoting antisemitism or related discriminatory beliefs.

Moreover, the NEA would not be allowed to advocate for educational policies that require students to adopt these beliefs.

Industrial Actions

The NEA and its affiliates are also barred from calling or participating in strikes or work stoppages affecting state or local governments, or condoning such actions.

Repeal of Property Tax Exemption

The bill includes a provision to repeal the tax exemption that the NEA currently enjoys on property in the District of Columbia.

Enforcement and Accountability

The bill provides for legal action by the Attorney General against the NEA for failing to comply with these requirements, and mandates equitable relief if needed.

Relevant Companies

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