Mandatory Arbitration

Sec. 174.1535. MANDATORY ARBITRATION. (a) This section applies only to: (1) a fire department that serves a municipality with a population of 1.9 million or more; and (2) an association that is a bargaining agent for the employees of a fire department described by Subdivision (1). (b) A public employer and an association that is a bargaining agent shall submit to binding interest arbitration if the parties: (1) reach an impasse in collective bargaining; or (2) are unable to settle after the 61st day after the date the appropriate lawmaking body fails to approve a contract reached through collective bargaining. (c) Each party shall send to the other party a written notice specifying each issue in dispute for purposes of binding arbitration not later than the fifth day after: (1) the date an impasse was reached under Section 174.152; (2) the expiration of an extension period under Section 174.152; or (3) the expiration of the period described by Subsection (b)(2). (d) A notice under Subsection (c) is considered sent on the date the notice is placed in the mail, personally delivered, or transmitted by e-mail or any other means of electronic transfer. Added by Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 342 (S.B. 736), Sec. 2, eff. June 2, 2023.