House Bill 995 amends various sections of Florida Statutes to enhance the processes governing public employee relations, including appeals, employee organization registrations, and collective bargaining. Key changes include aligning final order requirements with Chapter 120 of Florida Statutes, revising appeal hearing timeframes, and removing the specific timeframe for filing exceptions to recommended orders. The bill introduces new definitions, such as "membership dues" and "public safety unit," and clarifies the authority of the Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC), including its ability to waive certain provisions and the process for employee organization registration and renewal. Additionally, it establishes a registration fee for employee organizations and mandates that their financial records be open for inspection.

The bill also revises the certification and recertification processes for employee organizations, requiring them to register with the commission and providing detailed requirements for registration, including financial disclosures. It emphasizes the voluntary nature of union membership and protects public employees from discrimination based on their union involvement. Furthermore, the bill modifies the collective bargaining process, stipulating that agreements must be ratified by both public employers and a majority of public employees, and outlines procedures for resolving impasses in negotiations. Overall, HB 995 aims to streamline and clarify the legal framework governing public employee relations and enhance the rights of public employees in Florida.

Statutes affected:
H 995 Filed: 110.227, 112.0455, 295.14, 447.203, 447.205, 447.305, 447.307, 447.308, 447.309, 447.401, 447.405, 447.4095, 447.503, 110.114, 110.205, 112.3187, 121.031, 447.02, 447.609, 1011.60