public employees; collective bargaining

SB 1459 establishes Arizona's Public Employee Bargaining Act, creating a legal framework for collective bargaining between public employees and public employers (state/local government agencies). The bill defines key terms like "exclusive representative" (a union certified to negotiate on behalf of employees), "appropriate bargaining unit," and "impasse," while outlining rights for both employees (to form unions and bargain) and employers (to manage operations). It creates a Public Employee Labor Relations Board (appointed by the governor) to oversee certification of unions, resolve disputes, and enforce rules for bargaining. This law directly affects all public employees (excluding elected officials and board members) and public employers across Arizona state and local government.