Sec. 1. 26 MRSA §600 is enacted to read:

§600.__Protection from unjust discharge by subsidized employers

1.__Definitions.__As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.

A.__"Taxpayer incentive payment" means any grant payment or tax credit, reimbursement or forgiveness made pursuant to:

(1)__The business equipment tax reimbursement under Title 36, chapter 915;

(2)__The Maine Employment Tax Increment Financing Act;

(3)__The jobs and investment tax credit under Title 36, section 5215;

(4)__The research expense tax credit under Title 36, section 5219-K; or

(5)__The shipbuilding facility credit under Title 36, chapter 919.

2.__Just cause required.__An employer in the State that receives taxpayer incentive benefits may not terminate an employee except for just cause.__If the employee contends that the employee was discharged or released from employment without just cause and the employer denies the claim and it is found after hearing before the District Court that the termination was not for just cause, the employer is liable through an order from the court for the restoration of employment with back pay and fringe benefits.__This section may not operate so as to conflict with any collective bargaining agreement negotiated with a bona fide union by an employer under the National Labor Relations Act.

3.__Small businesses exempted.__This section does not apply to a business that employs 50 or fewer employees.

SUMMARY

This bill provides that employers with more than 50 employees who receive taxpayer incentive benefits such as the business equipment tax reimbursement program, or "BETR," may not terminate an employee except for just cause.