78R7930 DWS-D

By:  Bailey                                                       H.B. No. 2369



A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to arbitration of disputes between a metropolitan rapid 
transit authority and its employees.
	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:                        
	SECTION 1.  Subchapter C, Chapter 451, Transportation Code, 
is amended by adding Section 451.113 to read as follows:
	Sec. 451.113.  ARBITRATION OF CERTAIN DISPUTES.  (a)  This 
section applies only to an authority:
		(1)  in which the principal city has a population of 
more than 1.5 million; and
		(2)  that has, with an association that represents 
employees of the authority, entered into an agreement that in whole 
or part relates to grievances, labor disputes, wages, rates of pay, 
hours of work, or conditions of work.
	(b)  Either party to the agreement described by Subsection 
(a)(2) may apply to submit a dispute arising under the agreement to 
binding arbitration under Chapter 171, Civil Practice and Remedies 
Code, as if the agreement contained a provision requiring that 
arbitration and notwithstanding Section 171.002(a)(1).
	SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect immediately if it receives 
a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as 
provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.  If this 
Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate effect, this 
Act takes effect September 1, 2003.