Bill > SB288

This bill introduces significant reforms to the arbitration process for state employees in Maryland, establishing a more structured and time-bound approach to collective bargaining negotiations. The legislation creates a new arbitration framework where, if negotiations between state employers and employee representatives do not conclude by September 1, a neutral arbitrator must be selected from the American Arbitration Association's Labor Arbitration Panel to help resolve disputes. The arbitrator will have the power to mediate, receive information, and ultimately issue a binding final award that will entirely adopt either the state's or the employees' last best offer. The bill also proposes a constitutional amendment requiring the Governor's budget to include appropriations necessary to implement all terms of memorandums of understanding for state employees, whether reached through mutual agreement or arbitration. Key provisions include specific timelines for negotiations, a structured arbitration process, and considerations the arbitrator must weigh, such as the employer's financial ability, public welfare, and comparisons with similar employment conditions in adjacent states. If approved by voters in the 2026 general election, these changes would take effect on July 1, 2025, fundamentally altering how labor negotiations and disputes are resolved for Maryland state employees.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0288?ys=2025RS