Senate Bill 851 Summary

• Prohibits school districts from denying statewide professional educators' associations equal access to school employees, including through collective bargaining agreements, on the same terms granted to other educators' associations.

• Expands the definition of access to include setting up informational tables, speaking at meetings, distributing information through school mailboxes and email, using meeting rooms, representing employees, posting on bulletin boards, and promotional events.

• Prohibits school districts from conditioning equal access on provisions or services such as furnished meals, snacks, gifts, donations, or other sponsored activities.

• Classifies communication by association members regarding collective bargaining agreements or employment contracts as promotional events and requires equal access for all statewide professional educators' associations to communicate with school employees.

• Allows associations to distribute promotional materials in school mailboxes and prohibits school districts from charging fees for access, material review, or distribution; requires 15-day cure period before State Board of Education notification if access is denied.

• Effective July 1, 2025, with emergency clause for immediate effect upon passage and approval.