The Alabama Policy Institute and the Freedom Foundation announced their support on Apr. 8 for House Bill 666, which would end payroll deductions for public teachers’ unions in Alabama and remove opt-out windows for other unions using this service.
The proposed legislation matters because it could change how union dues are collected from public employees, affecting both workers’ rights and the financial operations of labor organizations in the state.
Stephanie Smith, president and CEO of the Alabama Policy Institute, said in a written statement, “For too long, the State of Alabama has acted as the de facto bookkeeper for private organizations and labor unions. The filing of HB666 is a long-overdue victory for the principles of limited government and the fundamental rights of Alabama’s hardworking public employees. By prohibiting the use of taxpayer-funded payroll systems to collect labor organization dues, HB666 correctly identifies that the government’s role is to serve the public, not to facilitate the financial growth of private political entities. It is time to get the state out of the ‘dues collection’ business.”
Smith also addressed concerns about current opt-out rules: “This 10-day trap is not about efficiency; it is about ensuring a steady stream of revenue for certain organizations, often at the expense of employees who had changed their minds or no longer feel represented. HB666 ends this practice by allowing employees to revoke their membership at any time, for any reason, without being forced to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops.” She further said that “Private organizations should be responsible for their own billing and relationship management with their members, just like any other entity in a free market.”
A report released by API in 2025 showed that between 2015 and 2024, AEA received $29.76 million from NEA transfers—an average making up more than 15% annually—with NEA support reaching over one-fifth of AEA revenue in some years.
Rusty Brown, special projects director at Freedom Foundation—which has supported similar laws nationwide—said: “Government should not be in the business of collecting union membership dues, especially those so overtly engaged in political activities. If employees choose to join a union, they can and should pay their dues directly… Instead, current law keeps teachers trapped… No American should be compelled to remain in any organization against their will… We’re proud to stand with Rep. Yarbrough in changing that.”
Rep. Ernie Yarbrough said he expects discussion on this issue will continue next year when he plans to refile HB666.
The Alabama Policy Institute researches conservative policies promoting free markets and limited government; it extends its research efforts statewide through reports and education initiatives since its founding in 1989 according to its official website.