TX HB3171

Authorizes municipal charters and collective bargaining agreements to establish their own impasse resolution mechanisms for firefighter labor disputes, which take precedence over standard state arbitration provisions

Creates a new mandatory binding interest arbitration process (Subchapter E-1) specifically for municipalities with populations between 950,000 and 1,050,000, applying to fire department employee bargaining

Requires parties in covered municipalities to submit to binding arbitration within 45 days of receiving a written arbitration request when collective bargaining reaches an impasse

Establishes a three-person arbitration board selection process, with each party selecting one arbitrator and a neutral third arbitrator chosen through agreement or American Arbitration Association list-striking procedure

Specifies factors arbitration boards must consider, including collective bargaining history, comparable municipal compensation, cost of living changes, employment conditions, and municipal revenues and taxpayer impact