Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §3-A is enacted to read:

§3-A.__Waiver of rules

1.__Waiver.__If a waiver of department rules is requested by a local school administrative unit, the procedures for approval of the waiver must provide the following:

A.__Public inspection and participation;

B.__Written application for the waiver;

C.__Notice to the bargaining agent or agents representing school employees of the waiver request;

D.__A right of the bargaining agent to inspect the application and documentation, state its views and present relevant evidence for consideration; and

E.__Written notice to the bargaining agent of the decision on the application and the reason for the decision.

SUMMARY

This bill establishes a process for the approval of any waiver of rules administered by the Department of Education.