Bill > SB28

This bill, the Arbitration Reform for State Employees Act of 2026, proposes to amend Maryland law to ensure that all terms and conditions of employment agreed upon in Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between the state and its employees, including those in higher education and the Maryland Environmental Service, are included in the Governor's annual budget. It mandates that the Governor's budget must contain appropriations to fund these MOUs, whether reached through mutual agreement or binding arbitration. The bill also establishes a more structured arbitration process for resolving impasses in collective bargaining negotiations between state employees and their representatives, including specific timelines for requesting and selecting neutral arbitrators from a pre-approved list, and outlines the powers and responsibilities of these arbitrators. Furthermore, it requires that any decision by an arbitrator regarding wages is subject to the limitations of the state budget and that any appropriation requiring legislative approval will be referred to the General Assembly. The bill also includes a proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution to reflect these changes, which will be put to a vote of the people in November 2026.

Budget and Finance

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0028?ys=2026RS