Membership classification

Section 151103 of title 36, United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 151103. Membership (a) In general Except as otherwise provided in this section, eligibility for membership in the corporation and the rights, obligations, and designation of classes of members are as provided in the bylaws. (b) Collection of dues from State or local government employees The corporation and its State and local affiliates may only accept payment of membership dues or fees from an employee of a State or local government (as such terms are defined in section 3371 of title 5) either directly from the employee or indirectly via per capita taxes or other fees paid by an affiliate, if— (1) the employee has been notified by the corporation or its applicable State or local affiliate of their right under the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States to refrain from membership and payment of associated dues or fees; (2) the employee has clearly and affirmatively consented to membership and payment of associated dues or fees; and (3) the employee has authorized the transmittal of the employee's membership dues or fees to the corporation or its applicable State or local affiliate without the use, directly or indirectly, of payroll deduction. (c) Membership cancellation The corporation and its State or local affiliates shall process and honor membership and dues payment cancellation requests as soon as practicable following receipt..