Signed by Governor Janet Mills

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with senate amendments and pass a bill that expands freedom of association and freedom of speech rights for employees in their workplace.

Highlights:

• Expands freedom of association and freedom of speech rights for employees in their workplace (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an employer from taking adverse action against an employee who refuses to attend or participate in an employer sponsored political or religious matters and authorizes an employee who has had this right violate to bring a civil action within 90 days of the alleged violation occurring (Sec. 1).

• Defines “political matters” as matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, proposals to legislation, proposals to change rules or regulsation, proposals to change public policy and the decision to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization (Sec. 1).

• Defines “religious matters” as matters relating to religious belief, affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or association (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the provisions of this bill from applying to a religious employer such as churches (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that expands freedom of association and freedom of speech rights for employees in their workplace.

Highlights:

• Expands freedom of association and freedom of speech rights for employees in their workplace (Sec. 1).

• Prohibits an employer from taking adverse action against an employee who refuses to attend or participate in an employer sponsored political or religious matters and authorizes an employee who has had this right violate to bring a civil action within 90 days of the alleged violation occurring (Sec. 1).

• Defines “political matters” as matters relating to elections for political office, political parties, proposals to legislation, proposals to change rules or regulsation, proposals to change public policy and the decision to join or support any political party or political, civic, community, fraternal or labor organization (Sec. 1).

• Defines “religious matters” as matters relating to religious belief, affiliation and practice and the decision to join or support any religious organization or association (Sec. 1).

• Exempts the provisions of this bill from applying to a religious employer such as churches (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text