Bill > HB831

This bill establishes collective bargaining rights for public local employees, meaning employees of counties and municipalities, by applying the Maryland Public Employee Relations Act to these local government employers and their workers. It clarifies that certain employees with significant decision-making authority, referred to as "management employees," may be excluded from collective bargaining units. The bill also introduces impasse procedures for negotiations between these local employers and their employees, which can include binding arbitration, a process where a neutral third party makes a final decision to resolve disputes when parties cannot reach an agreement themselves. Furthermore, the bill allows local governments to petition the Public Employee Relations Board (the "Board," a state agency overseeing labor relations) to have their own local laws regarding collective bargaining approved, potentially exempting them from certain state-level requirements, but the Board retains oversight of key issues like representation and unfair labor practices. This legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with specific provisions for certain local governments to file petitions earlier.

Government Affairs

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0831?ys=2026RS