2011 House Bill 4522 / Public Act 116

Require public safety arbitrators consider ability to pay

Introduced in the House

March 28, 2011

Introduced by Rep. Jeff Farrington (R-30)

To add to the criteria that must be considered by “PA 312” binding arbitration panels. These arbitrators have the power to impose contract terms between municipalities and public safety unions in the event of a collective bargaining impasse. The arbitrators would be required to consider the interests and welfare of the public and the financial ability of the community to pay. They would not be allowed to consider the ability to raise additional taxes.

Referred to the Committee on Government Operations

June 14, 2011

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-5) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that revises various details.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Amendment offered by Rep. Richard LeBlanc (D-18)

To allow arbitrators to grant retroactive pay and benefit hikes.

The amendment failed by voice vote

Substitute offered

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that generally is more accomodating to the preferences of government employee unions.

The substitute failed by voice vote

June 23, 2011

Substitute offered by Rep. Jeff Farrington (R-30)

To replace the previous version of the bill with one that reflects the terms of a House Republican majority compromise with government employee unions.

The substitute passed by voice vote

Passed in the House 107 to 1 (details)

To revise the criteria that must be considered by “PA 312” binding arbitration panels. These arbitrators have the power to impose contract terms between municipalities and public safety unions in the event of a collective bargaining impasse. The bill reflects the terms of a House Republican majority compromise with government employee unions. It would expand the scope of this law to consolidated multi-government service authorities (but not 9-1-1 call centers); place a 180 day deadline on the process; and require arbitrators to consider the financial ability of the community to pay, and the pay and benefits of comparable private sector employees, in addition to other government employees. Arbitrators would not be prohibited from considering the community's ability to impose additional taxes.

Received in the Senate

June 28, 2011

Amendment offered

To revise a detail related to the bill's extension of the binding arbitration mandate to multi-government fire and police authorities.

The amendment passed by voice vote

June 29, 2011

Passed in the Senate 27 to 10 (details)

To revise the criteria that must be considered by “PA 312” binding arbitration panels. These arbitrators have the power to impose contract terms between municipalities and public safety unions in the event of a collective bargaining impasse. The bill reflects the terms of a House Republican majority compromise with government employee unions. It would expand the scope of this law to consolidated multi-government service authorities (but not 9-1-1 call centers); place a 180 day deadline on the process; and require arbitrators to consider the financial ability of the community to pay, and the pay and benefits of comparable private sector employees, in addition to other government employees. Arbitrators would not be prohibited from considering the community's ability to impose additional taxes.

Received in the House

June 29, 2011

Passed in the House 109 to 0 (details)

To concur with the Senate-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Rick Snyder

July 20, 2011