Bill · S. 2428· Senate(119-S-2428)
STUDENT Act
- Introduced
- 7/24/2025
- Last activity
- 7/24/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- Sponsored by
- Cynthia Lummis
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The STUDENT Act seeks to amend the federal charter of the National Education Association (NEA). It imposes new requirements on the organization regarding political activity, membership, and prohibited beliefs. The bill changes how dues are collected from state or local government employees, requiring affirmative consent and prohibiting payroll deductions. It also prohibits the NEA from participating in political activity or influencing legislation. Additionally, the bill bans certain ideological requirements and strikes or work stoppages. Finally, it repeals a property tax exemption in the District of Columbia.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires the NEA to submit an annual report to Congress and allows members to inspect corporate records.
Does this protect people from being watched or searched?+2
The bill grants members the right to inspect the corporation's records for any proper purpose.
Would middle-income households be better off under this?+1
The bill mandates affirmative consent for dues, giving employees more direct control over their personal finances.
The opposite· 3 of 8
Would union members be better off under this?-9
The bill severely restricts union activities including political contributions, lobbying, and the right to strike.
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?-8
The bill significantly curtails union power by prohibiting political activity, legislative influence, and strikes or work stoppages.
Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated?-3
The bill prohibits the NEA from requiring adherence to beliefs regarding race and critical race theory, which critics argue may reduce racial equity advocacy.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Financial Transparency and Control for Employees: Under Section 3, the bill requires that employees be notified of their right to refrain from membership and must clearly and affirmatively consent to pay dues. Furthermore, it prohibits the use of payroll deductions for dues, giving employees more direct control over their money.
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Protection Against Specific Ideologies: Section 4(b)(14) prohibits the NEA from requiring members or staff to affirm or adopt specific beliefs regarding race, sex, or religion, as well as beliefs that promote antisemitism. This may benefit those who wish to avoid those specific ideologies.
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Ban on Strikes and Work Stoppages: According to Section 4(b)(15), the corporation and its affiliates would be prohibited from calling for or participating in strikes, work stoppages, or slowdowns that affect state or local governments.
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Enhanced Member Oversight: Section 4(b)(9) provides that any member entitled to vote may inspect the corporation's records for any proper purpose at any time.
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Prevention of Discrimination and Quotas: Section 4(b)(2) mandates that the corporation and its affiliates shall not discriminate against individuals based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, or national origin, nor establish quotas based on those factors.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Political Advocacy: Section 4(b)(1) prevents the corporation and its officers from contributing to, supporting, or participating in any political activity or attempting to influence legislation. This would restrict the organization's ability to advocate for its interests.
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Burden on Membership Collection: Section 3(b)(3) requires that membership dues cannot be taken via payroll deduction, which would require employees to manage their payments manually rather than through automatic deductions.
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Potential Legal Action by Attorney General: Under Section 4(b)(11), the Attorney General of the United States is granted the power to bring civil actions against the corporation if it engages in practices inconsistent with its stated purposes or fails to carry out its obligations.
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Loss of Tax Exemption: Section 5 repeals the property tax exemption for the organization in the District of Columbia.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Union Workers-9Good For African Americans-2Good For Hispanic Americans-2Good For Low Income Households-2Good For Women-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Fiscal Responsibility+1Improves Union Protections-8Reduces Small Business Taxes-1
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Improves Privacy Rights+2
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+1Improves Racial Equity-3
- Education And Technology
- Improves School Choice+1
- 7/28/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/24/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Kevin CramerRepublican · North Dakota
Ted CruzRepublican · Texas
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska
Tim SheehyRepublican · Montana