Indiana Senate backs yearly hurdle on teacher union dues

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana teachers would have to renew requests every year for automatic paycheck deduction of union dues under a bill that’s been approved by the state Senate.

The bill seeks to have school districts send an email to all employees who have union dues deductions with a boldface message in 14-point type that they have the right to not join the union and may stop their paycheck deduction at any time.

Senators voted 27-22 this past week in favor of the bill, which now goes to the House for consideration. Twelve Republican senators joined Democrats in voting against the bill.

Supporters of the bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Phil Boots of Crawfordsville say it would allow teachers to make “informed decisions” about their union membership.

The Indiana State Teachers Association, which is the state’s largest teachers union, questioned why union dues were the only one of the many possible paycheck deductions targeted by the legislation. The group argued the bill isn’t necessary and will misuse school district staff time.