MarylandSB 03732025 Regular SessionSenate

State Personnel - BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department - Collective Bargaining and Arbitration Processes

Sponsored By: Pamela Beidle (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

State Government - PersonnelAdministrative AgenciesAirportsArbitration -see also- MediationBudgets -see also- Capital BudgetsCollective BargainingFire ProtectionRescue Squads -see also- Emergency Medical ServSalaries and Compensation -see also- Overtime; Reimb. RatesState EmployeesTime

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Binding bargaining decisions for airport firefighters

Beginning July 1, 2025, uniformed BWI Airport Fire and Rescue employees get binding arbitration to settle stalled contract talks. The State and union must reach agreement by September 30 in the year their agreement expires. The process starts when both sides declare talks stalled, or no agreement is reached on or before October 1. Both sides submit final offers. They have five business days to select an arbitrator from 15 names supplied by the American Arbitration Association. They take turns removing names and submit the dispute and offers within five business days after selection. If the arbitrator cannot serve, negotiations continue. The arbitrator holds formal hearings, with a 21-day neutral mediation period first if the arbitrator finds mediation appropriate. A binding decision choosing between final offers is due by December 15. Wage decisions remain subject to State budget limits; other terms remain subject to applicable budget and legal limits. The State and union split the arbitrator’s costs equally.

State workers keep existing contract protections

Beginning July 1, 2025, covered Maryland State labor agreements and all their terms stay in force until replaced. A replacement must be agreed to and ratified, or adopted through arbitration where available. This includes agreements covering uniformed BWI Airport Fire and Rescue employees. A union can sue in Maryland circuit court to enforce an agreement. The court must order existing terms maintained while the case is decided. The law also requires good-faith bargaining at reasonable times toward a written agreement. Talks over items needing funding must finish before January 1 for the fiscal year starting the following July 1. The Governor must include agreed costs in the upcoming budget, including the actuarial costs of pension changes. Matters needing legislative approval or funding must be recommended to the General Assembly; higher education approval requests go through the Governor.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Pamela Beidle
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 150 • No: 34

House vote • 4/7/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 106 • No: 34 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/6/2025

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 44 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

Approved by the Governor - Chapter 653
5/20/2025
Returned Passed
4/7/2025Senate
Third Reading Passed (106-34)
4/7/2025House
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
4/7/2025House
Favorable Report by Appropriations
4/5/2025House
Hearing 3/25 at 1:00 p.m.
3/19/2025House
Referred Appropriations
3/7/2025House
Third Reading Passed (44-0)
3/6/2025Senate
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
3/4/2025Senate
Favorable with Amendments {143829/1 Adopted
3/4/2025Senate
Favorable with Amendments Report by Finance
3/3/2025Senate
Hearing 2/06 at 1:00 p.m.
1/22/2025Senate
First Reading Finance
1/17/2025Senate

Bill Text

Enacted
5/20/2025
PDF
Third Reading
3/4/2025
PDF
First Reading
1/17/2025
PDF

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