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House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted:	March 2, 2022 04:33 PM
From:	Representative Donna Bullock
To:	All House members
Subject:	Act 111 Police and Fire Arbitration Reform Package

Police officers and firefighters provide valuable services to our communities. With that said, in recent years, the public has been calling for increasing transparency and reforms in the collective bargaining process for police officers. Act 111 provides these special classes of public servants with certain rights and arbitration when negotiating collective bargaining agreements. However, we need to examine this law and ensure that it meets the modern standards set by the people these public servants protect.   I am proposing a six-bill package to accomplish these goals:   An expansion of the pool of arbitrators from which the third and neutral arbitrator is chosen. Allowing a municipality to conduct a public hearing prior to collective bargaining negotiations to obtain public insight and priorities.  Require findings of the arbitrators to be based in fact and conclusions of law, provide analysis based on evidence provided to the arbitrators, and allow appeals when findings are contrary to public policy. Public access to records and hearings, except for bargaining sessions prior to the hearing, executive sessions, and other meetings conducted between the arbitrators before, during, or after the hearing. Allowing police officer discipline policies and procedures to be subject to collective bargaining or arbitration.  Sharing the costs of the arbitration process.    These important measures will benefit our Commonwealth and will ensure that the public has a window on collective bargaining procedures and the chance for input.  I hope you join me in sponsoring these good governance measures.

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Document #1

Description:	An expansion of the pool of arbitrators from which the third and neutral arbitrator is chosen.
	View Attachment

Document #2

Description:	Allowing a municipality to conduct a public hearing prior to collective bargaining negotiations to obtain public insight and priorities.
	View Attachment

Document #3

Description:	Require findings of the arbitrators to be based in fact and conclusions of law, provide analysis based on evidence provided to the arbitrators, and allow appeals when findings are contrary to public policy.
	View Attachment

Document #4

Description:	Public access to records and hearings, except for bargaining sessions prior to the hearing, executive sessions, and other meetings conducted between the arbitrators before, during, or after the hearing.
	View Attachment

Document #5

Description:	Allowing police officer discipline policies and procedures to be subject to collective bargaining or arbitration.
	View Attachment

Document #6

Description:	Sharing the costs of the arbitration process.
	View Attachment