A bill in the Missouri Legislature that would force public employees to give annual written consent for money automatically deducted from their paychecks includes exemptions for first responders.

The legislation would essentially force unions to obtain permission from employees to spend fees on political activities.

But unions representing police officers, firefighters, nurses and other emergency personnel wouldn’t need to provide consent if the bill becomes law, according to the Associated Press.

The bill previously passed the House, but Senate Democrats oppose it, making it unclear if it will pass that chamber. Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed similar legislation last year.

http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/morning_call/2014/05/bill-restricting-unions-includes-exemption-for.html