Bill > HB458

This bill alters the collective bargaining process for State employees in several ways: It requires the selection of a neutral arbitrator to oversee all aspects of collective bargaining, including resolving disputes over the conduct of negotiations, information requests, and promoting good faith bargaining. The arbitrator has the power to issue final, binding, and self-executing orders. If an impasse is declared, the arbitration process includes submission of last, best, and final offers, mediation attempts, a formal hearing, and a final written award that sustains one of the parties' proposals. The decision of the neutral arbitrator is final and binding. Additionally, the bill requires that each annual budget bill contain the appropriations necessary to implement all terms and conditions of employment in memoranda of understanding for State employees, State higher education institutions, and the Maryland Environmental Service. This is a constitutional amendment that would require voter approval. The bill also makes various other changes to the collective bargaining process, such as requiring negotiations to begin in July, establishing deadlines, and allowing for amendments or modifications to the arbitrator's final award.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0458?ys=2022RS