AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The Texas Senate has given preliminary approval to a bill requiring children under 18 to get their parents’ permission before joining labor unions.
The proposal by Republican Sen. Jane Nelson of Flower Mound passed 20-11 along party lines in the Republican-controlled chamber Monday. It needs a third and final vote that could come Tuesday before heading to the Texas House.
Houston Democratic Sen. John Whitmire objected, saying teens will be forced to endure unnecessary logistical hurdles if they want to join a union while working a summer job at a grocery store or lumber yard. He asked if the bill isn’t “just more government.”
Nelson said she’s defending parental rights.
The Senate has already approved another bill ending voluntary payroll deductions of union dues from state and public employee paychecks.
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