Bill placing new restrictions on Florida teacher unions signed into law

Standing behind a placard declaring Florida “the education state,” Gov. Ron DeSantis on Friday signed into law two measures that make it harder for teachers to collectively bargain pay and working conditions.

The first item (SB 1296) changes the rules for how unions can win and retain their certification, mandating that at least half of all eligible members must vote in elections establishing their existence. That way, DeSantis said, the unions that remain will have demonstrated they represent a majority.

The second (HB 1279) removes unions from the discussion as school districts establish pay incentives to bring highly evaluated teachers to low-performing schools.