This bill amends existing laws related to the prevention of unfair labor practices in Oklahoma, specifically addressing the powers of the Public Employees Relations Board and the process for selecting arbitrators in such cases. The bill modifies the Board's authority by allowing it to set matters for hearing, take evidence, and decide on the issues presented, rather than issuing a complaint and scheduling a hearing as previously required. Additionally, it establishes a new process for arbitrator selection, where both the employer and bargaining agent must notify each other of an alleged unfair labor practice within six months and select arbitrators within a specified timeframe. If they cannot agree on a third arbitrator, they will request a list from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies the allocation of fees and expenses associated with the arbitrators. It specifies that the fees for the arbitrators selected by the bargaining agent and corporate authorities will be borne by each party respectively, while the costs for the third arbitrator will be shared equally. The new provisions also extend the applicability of these fee arrangements to various arbitration contexts, including interest arbitration and the determination of bargaining representatives. The bill is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.