HB 6154 Summary

• Establishes the "Corrections Officer Compulsory Arbitration Act" requiring binding arbitration for labor disputes in county corrections facilities where employees are prohibited from striking.

• Creates a three-person arbitration panel consisting of one delegate each from the employer and employees, plus an impartial arbitrator selected by the employment relations commission from a panel of nominees.

• Requires parties to submit last offers of settlement during mediation; if unresolved after 30 days, either party may initiate binding arbitration by requesting the employment relations commission to proceed.

• Panel must render a written decision within 30 days of hearing conclusion by adopting one party's entire last offer of settlement based on specified factors including employer authority, public interest, financial ability, comparable wage/benefits data, cost of living, and other traditionally considered employment conditions.

• Arbitration decisions are final and binding, enforceable by circuit court, with limited review grounds (jurisdiction, lack of evidence, or fraud); violations subject to fines up to $250 per day; does not apply if parties operate under existing collective bargaining agreement with binding interest arbitration provision.