Sec. 1. 26 MRSA c. 7, sub-c. X is enacted to read:

SUBCHAPTER X

EXPENDITURE OF PUBLIC FUNDS

§880.__Proper expenditure of public funds

1.__Definition.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, "health care provider" has the meaning set forth in Title 24, section 2502, subsection 2.

2.__Unlawful actions.__Except as provided in subsection 3, it is unlawful for a health care provider to expend state funds or state-administered funds to influence employees for or against an attempt to exercise their right to organize and choose representation for the purpose of negotiating terms and conditions of their employment as provided in this Title or the National Labor Relations Act, 29 United States Code, Sections 151 to 169.

3.__Permitted expenditures.__It is not unlawful for a health care provider to expend state funds or state-administered funds to pay:

A.__Reasonable expenses for contract negotiations or preparation for negotiations;

B.__Expenses for attorney's fees arising out of a court or agency proceeding or appeal or in preparation for the proceeding or appeal; and

C.__Reasonable expenses for educational instruction of supervisors or management employees concerning state or federal labor laws.

4.__Penalty.__The Department of Labor shall impose an administrative fine of up to $500 for each violation of this section.

SUMMARY

This bill prohibits health care providers and practitioners from spending state funds or state-administered funds to influence union organizing efforts of their employees.