HB 1576 Summary

• Amends collective bargaining hearing procedures for cities and towns under 51 O.S. Section 51-108 by eliminating certain pre-hearing requirements such as submission of written arbitration statements at least seven days before the hearing.

• Requires the arbitration board to issue a written opinion with findings and recommendations within ten days after the hearing concludes and deliver it to both the bargaining agent and corporate authorities.

• Makes adoption of the arbitration board's majority opinion discretionary for corporate authorities rather than mandatory; if not adopted, the parties must resume collective bargaining as provided in Section 51-105.

• Removes the previous provision that allowed requesting a special election when the city's last best offer was not selected by the arbitration board.

• Effective date: November 1, 2011.