Committee introduces RS 32,450 to narrow firefighters’ collective bargaining to wages and hours

Representative Rob Bieswanger introduced RS 32,450 to narrow the scope of firefighters’ collective bargaining so that negotiations would be limited to wages and rates of pay and hours, removing broader items described as “working conditions” from the list of negotiable subjects.

Bieswanger said current law allows firefighters to negotiate a wide range of terms and that the proposed RS would “make it a little more…flexible” and allow elected officials and fire chiefs to make operational decisions more quickly. He told the committee the change would make the relationship between elected officials and taxpayers “a little more … business kind of ish.”

Several members pressed the sponsor on stakeholder engagement. Representative Keeley said the statute has been in place for 55 years and expressed concern that firefighters’ expertise on staffing, standard operating procedures and disciplinary processes should be incorporated: “I just think without the stakeholders involvement in this RS we should not move it to print.”

Representative Scott moved to introduce RS 32,450 with drafting changes described in committee (striking “working conditions” and adjusting punctuation). The committee adopted the motion by voice vote; the chair declared the motion carried and a single nay was recorded on the vote (the transcript does not specify the member who cast the nay). The RS was introduced for further consideration and possible amendment at a subsequent hearing.

Sponsor and other members said further details and a full hearing would allow airing of technical specifics and any amendments.