Relating to binding arbitration in collective bargaining for firefighters and police officers in certain political subdivisions.

HB 4065 requires cities and towns (political subdivisions) to use binding interest arbitration when negotiations between fire and police departments and their employers break down over contracts. It mandates that employers and bargaining agents submit unresolved issues to an arbitrator if they reach an impasse or fail to settle within 61 days after a contract negotiation deadline. The bill outlines specific notice requirements (5 days after an impasse) and a process for selecting an arbitrator from a list provided by the American Arbitration Association. This applies broadly to fire and police departments, except to cities that already have mandatory arbitration systems or to cities with populations over 1.9 million unless voters approve it.