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.