Relating to compensation and employment condition standards by municipal charter or collective bargaining agreement and to impasse resolution in collective bargaining with certain political subdivisions.

Updated Section 174.021 to clarify that public employers providing compensation and employment conditions to fire fighters and police officers must comply with prevailing private sector standards or collective bargaining agreements.

Added Section 174.165 to specify that municipalities with charters or collective bargaining agreements providing impasse resolution mechanisms must use those mechanisms for fire fighter disputes.

Modified Section 174.156(b) to update the factors arbitration boards must consider when settling disputes, including employee morale and taxpayer impact.

Added Subchapter E-1 establishing mandatory binding interest arbitration for municipalities with populations between 950,000 and 1,050,000 representing fire department employees.

Modified Section 174.153(a) to clarify conditions under which parties may request arbitration board appointments, including a 61-day timeline for settlement attempts.

Added specific timelines for arbitration processes, including 45-day submission deadlines and 5-day periods for selecting arbitrators.

Added Section 174.185 specifying that arbitration awards may consider collective bargaining history, public sector compensation, cost of living adjustments, and municipal revenues.