MD HB604

Requires collective bargaining negotiations between the State and employee unions to occur between July 1 and September 30, with a neutral arbitrator selected from the American Arbitration Association if negotiations are not concluded by September 1

Establishes binding arbitration process when either party declares impasse after October 1, requiring each side to submit last, best, and final offers with the arbitrator issuing a final written award by December 15

Mandates that the Governor include in each annual budget all appropriations necessary to fund terms in memoranda of understanding with State employees, University System of Maryland employees, and Maryland Environmental Service employees

Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article III, Section 52 requiring budgets to include appropriations for wages, hours, fringe benefits, health benefits, and other employment terms from negotiated or arbitrated memoranda of understanding

Excludes BWI Airport Fire and Rescue Department uniformed fire employees from the new arbitration process and provides that arbitrator decisions on wages remain subject to State budget limitations