MD HB159

Requires selection of a neutral arbitrator from the American Arbitration Association's Labor Arbitration Panel to oversee collective bargaining for State employees when negotiations have not concluded by September 1, with the arbitrator selected by September 15

Establishes binding arbitration process if either party declares impasse on or after October 1, requiring each party to submit a last, best, and final offer within 5 business days, with the arbitrator issuing a preliminary written award by December 5 and final award by December 15

Expands collective bargaining to explicitly include fringe benefits and health benefits alongside wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment

Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article III, Section 52 requiring the Governor to include in each annual budget bill all appropriations necessary to implement terms in memoranda of understanding reached through mutual agreement or binding arbitration

Exempts State institutions of higher education (including University System of Maryland) from the new arbitration process; the constitutional amendment would be submitted to voters at the November 2026 general election