MD SB767

Full-time deputy sheriffs and correctional deputies in the Calvert County Sheriff's Office at the rank of Major and below gain the right to organize and collectively bargain with the County Administrator and Sheriff regarding wages and employee health care premium share

A labor organization becomes certified as the exclusive representative if at least 51% of sworn deputy sheriffs at Sergeant rank and below sign a petition, with the Sheriff having 20 calendar days to challenge validity

If the Sheriff challenges a petition, the American Arbitration Association appoints a neutral arbitrator to conduct a secret ballot election, with costs split equally between parties

Collective bargaining agreements must be ratified by the bargaining unit members, the Sheriff, and the County Commissioners, with any additional funding subject to County Commissioners approval

Agreements must be between 1 and 4 years in duration, and correctional deputies are explicitly prohibited from engaging in strikes