BILL ANALYSIS



C.S.H.B. 1412
By: Oakley
04-21-95
Committee Report (Substituted)


BACKGROUND

The current law does not provide for mandatory arbitration
regarding compensation and conditions of employment.  Despite the
essential and emergency nature of the services provided by
firefighters and police officers, there is no certain manner of
hearing disputes.


PURPOSE

CSHB 1412 will allow contract disputes between public employers and
police to be settled by "last best offer" arbitration, or a general
election of the municipality.


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly
grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer,
department, agency or institution.


SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1.  Clarifies scope of arbitration as to firefighters and
permits police arbitration to include consideration of "last best
offer"

SECTION 2.  Clarifies written findings and awards of arbitration
board as to fire fighters, and permits arbitration board to select
"last best offers" as to police.

SECTION 3.  Clarifies effective arbitration board decision as to
fire fighters.

SECTION 4.  Permits public election on arbitration board action as
to police.

SECTION 5.  Transitional provision.

SECTION 6.  Effective date: September 1, 1995

SECTION 7.  Emergency Clause


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

The substitute deletes fire fighters from the "last best offer"
provisions and the provisions allowing for a public election.


SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE ACTION

HB 1412 was considered in a public hearing on April 3, 1995.  The
following people testified in favor of the bill: Jim Lyle,
representing the Texas Municipal Police Association.  The following
people testified against the bill: Thomas A. Martin, representing
himself and the Texas Police Chiefs Association.  The bill was left
pending.  HB 1412 was considered in a public hearing on April 20,
1995.  The committee considered a complete substitute to the bill. 
The substitute was adopted without objection.  The following people
testified in favor of the bill: Rep. Oakley.  The bill was reported
favorably as substituted, with the recommendation that it do pass
and be printed, by a record vote of 6 ayes, 2 nays, 0 pnv, and 1
absent.