The bill proposes comprehensive amendments to Florida Statutes concerning the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) and the regulation of employee organizations. Key changes include the alignment of final order requirements with Chapter 120, the removal of specific timeframes for filing exceptions, and the revision of appeal hearing timelines. It also establishes annual salaries for PERC's chair and commissioners, allows for flexible methods of serving subpoenas, and mandates that certain employee organization accounts be open for inspection. New definitions are introduced, such as "bargaining agent" and "public safety employee," while existing definitions are clarified. Additionally, the bill requires employee organizations to revoke membership and cease dues collection within a specified timeframe, and it sets forth new registration and renewal requirements for these organizations.

Further amendments focus on collective bargaining laws, stipulating that bargaining units cannot mix professional and nonprofessional employees without majority consent from both groups. The bill repeals certain sections and clarifies the binding nature of agreements, requiring ratification by both public employers and employees. It also introduces new grievance procedures culminating in binding decisions by impartial neutrals and modifies the process for declaring negotiation impasses. Additionally, the bill increases penalties for unfair labor practices and strikes, with fines for employee organizations reaching up to $120,000 per day. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and fairness in public employee relations and collective bargaining processes in Florida.

Statutes affected:
S 1766 Filed: 110.227, 112.0455, 295.14, 447.203, 447.305, 447.307, 447.308, 447.401, 447.405, 447.503, 447.609, 110.114, 110.205, 112.3187, 121.031, 447.02, 1011.60