; and (2) is in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act. 8. Exceptions (a) In general Section 4(d), and the regulations and procedures under section 5, shall not apply— (1) solely because a State law permits a public employee to appear on the employee’s own behalf with respect to the employee’s employment relations with the public employer involved; (2) solely because a State law excludes from its coverage public employees of a State militia or national guard; or (3) to a political subdivision of a State if— (A) such political subdivision has a population of fewer than 5,000 people or employs fewer than 25 public employees; and (B) the State in which such political subdivision is located notifies the Authority of the State’s request that such political subdivision be exempt from such sections. (b) Compliance (1) Actions of states Nothing in this Act or the regulations promulgated under this Act shall be construed to require a State to rescind or preempt the laws or ordinances of any political subdivision of the State if such laws or ordinances provide rights and responsibilities for public employees that are comparable to or greater than the rights and responsibilities described in section 4(b). (2) Actions of the district of columbia Nothing in this Act or the regulations promulgated under this Act shall be construed— (A) to require the District of Columbia to rescind— (i) section 501 of the District of Columbia Government Comprehensive Merit Personnel Act (1–605.01, D.C. Official Code), establishing the Public Employee Relations Board of the District of Columbia; or (ii) section 502 of such Act (1–605.02, D.C. Official Code), establishing the power of the Board; (B) to preempt the laws described in subparagraph (A)