MD SB373

Uniformed fire employees of the BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department must reach collective bargaining agreements with the State by September 30 of the year a contract expires, rather than following the standard state employee negotiation timeline

An impasse occurs if parties mutually declare one or fail to reach agreement by October 1; each party must then submit a last, best, and final offer within 48 hours

Binding arbitration is required when an impasse is reached, with an arbitrator selected from a list of 15 provided by the American Arbitration Association's Labor Arbitration Panel through alternate striking

The arbitrator has 21 days to attempt mediation before formal hearings and must select one party's final offer by December 15; the decision is binding, though wage decisions remain subject to State budget limitations

Arbitration costs are split equally between the State and the union; the act takes effect July 1, 2025