HB 341 Summary

• Allows collective bargaining for state merit employees (non-higher education, classified service) when a majority of employees in a defined bargaining unit are represented, rather than requiring all eligible employees to be represented.

• Establishes 12 distinct bargaining units for compensation negotiations, including labor/maintenance workers, patient care workers, social services, administrative support, engineers/professionals, and law enforcement.

• Requires bargaining to commence by July 1 of the year prior to agreement expiration, with mandatory mediation if no agreement is reached by September 1.

• Mandates election orders be issued within 90 days of a petition filing and elections be conducted within 60 days, with petitions requiring signatures from 30% of unrepresented employees or 30% of combined unrepresented and already-represented employees.

• Takes effect January 1, 2015.