Bill > S1296

Introduced Session

An act relating to the Public Employees Relations Commission; amending s. 110.227, F.S.; conforming final order requirements to ch. 120, F.S.; deleting a provision requiring exceptions to a recommended order to be filed within a specified timeframe; amending s. 112.0455, F.S.; revising the timeframe in which an appeal hearing must be conducted; conforming final order requirements to ch. 120, F.S.; amending s. 120.80, F.S.; providing applicability; amending s. 295.14, F.S.; conforming final order requirements to ch. 120, F.S.; reordering and amending s. 447.203, F.S.; revising and defining terms; amending s. 447.205, F.S.; revising the seal of the Public Employees Relations Commission; amending s. 447.207, F.S.; authorizing subpoenas to be served by certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal service; revising requirements for proof of service; deleting the requirement that the commission adopt rules for the qualifications of persons who may serve as mediators; authorizing the commission, under certain circumstances, to waive the application of part II of ch. 447, F.S., rather than only specified provisions; amending s. 447.301, F.S.; revising requirements for an employee organization membership authorization form; requiring an employee organization, within a specified timeframe, to revoke the membership of and cease the collection of membership dues from a public employee; providing that a membership authorization form is valid if it meets certain requirements; revising applicability; amending s. 447.303, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 447.305, F.S.; revising application requirements for employee organization registration and renewal of registration; requiring an employee organization to provide an application for renewal of registration to certain persons within a specified timeframe; requiring a bargaining agent to provide a remedy for incomplete application information to the commission within a specified timeframe; requiring the commission to dismiss an application for renewal of registration under certain circumstances; requiring the commission to notify the bargaining agent when such application information is complete; requiring the bargaining agent to petition for recertification within a specified timeframe thereafter; requiring the commission or one of its designated agents to conduct an investigation if a challenge to an application for renewal of registration is filed; authorizing a designated agent of the commission to conduct an investigation to confirm validity of submitted information; exempting certain employee organizations from a specified requirement; requiring a registration fee for applications for registration and renewal of registration; requiring that certain employee organization accounts be open for inspection by any member of the organization or by the commission at a reasonable time and place; providing for the revocation of an employee organization’s certification under certain circumstances; providing that decisions issued by the commission in accordance with certain provisions are final agency actions; amending s. 447.307, F.S.; revising requirements for the certification and recertification of an employee organization; requiring the commission to conduct elections by specified methods; specifying the criteria by which the commission determines the method and timing of elections; requiring the commission to conduct election by mail if requested by one of the parties; providing the timeframe for when an election by mail must be conducted; requiring the commission to provide notice of such election to certain parties within a specified timeframe; requiring an election conducted by mail ballot to include return envelopes with prepaid postage affixed, subject to appropriation; creating s. 447.3076, F.S.; providing that a petition to clarify the composition of a bargaining unit may be filed with the commission under certain circumstances; requiring that a copy of the petition be served on certain persons; requiring the public employer to provide a copy of the petition to certain affected employees within a specified timeframe; requiring that a petition be dismissed under certain circumstances; amending s. 447.308, F.S.; revising requirements for the decertification of an employee organization; requiring an election conducted by mail ballot to include return envelopes with prepaid postage affixed, subject to appropriation; amending s. 447.309, F.S.; requiring that certain agreements be returned to the bargaining agent, rather than the employee organization; amending s. 447.401, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 447.403, F.S.; specifying requirements for when an impasse occurs; requiring a hearing within a specified timeframe; authorizing the recommended decision of a special magistrate from an impasse hearing to be transmitted by any method of service agreed to by the parties which establishes proof of delivery; amending s. 447.405, F.S.; conforming provisions to changes made by the act; amending s. 447.4095, F.S.; providing that implementation of appropriations from the Legislature which are specifically directed to be disbursed as salaries for employees of local governments are considered a financial urgency; requiring the chief executive officer or his or her representative to meet with the bargaining agent or its representative within a specified timeframe if the use of such funds requires modification of an agreement; providing meeting and dispute requirements; prohibiting the filing of unfair labor charges during specified time periods; providing applicability; amending s. 447.501, F.S.; requiring a public employer to provide to all registered employee organizations or petitioning employees equal access to the employer’s facilities and communication systems for a specified time period; amending s. 447.503, F.S.; authorizing certain public employers, public employees, and employee organizations, or combinations thereof, to file certain charges with the commission; amending s. 447.507, F.S.; increasing fines for certain violations; amending s. 447.509, F.S.; prohibiting public employers, their agents or representatives, and any persons acting on their behalf from taking certain actions; authorizing certain actions by public employees under certain circumstances; providing applicability; amending ss. 110.114, 110.205, 112.3187, 121.031, 447.02, 447.609, and 1011.60, F.S.; conforming cross-references and provisions to changes made by the act; providing an effective date.

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Jonathan Martin (R)*, 

Other Sponsors (2)

Ordered enrolled (on 03/17/2026)

Official Document