MINIMUM STAFF FOR POLICE/FIRE; COLLECTIVE BARG. S.B. 1167:

SUMMARY OF BILL

REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senate Bill 1167 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor: Senator Veronica Klinefelt

Committee: Labor

 


CONTENT

 

The bill would amend the public employment relations Act to specify that collective bargaining between a public police or fire department bargaining unit and its employer would include minimum staffing levels within the bargaining unit.

 

MCL 423.211 & 423.215

 

BRIEF RATIONALE

 

According to testimony, firefighters in Michigan have some of the lowest staffing levels per capita in the Midwest with approximately 50 firefighters per 100,000 people. Testimony also indicates that neighboring states like Wisconsin and Ohio have 82 and 111 firefighters per 100,000 people, respectively. Some have concern that these low staffing levels place Michigan residents at a higher risk from fire. The bill would allow public safety officers to negotiate with municipalities on staffing levels, which could improve the State's firefighter per capita ratio.

 

Legislative Analyst: Alex Krabill

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and an indeterminate fiscal impact on local governmental units. There are approximately 18,000 police officers and 8,700 full-time paid firefighters that would be subject to the bill.

 

Date Completed: 12-9-24 Fiscal Analysts: Bruce R. Baker

Bobby Canell

 

 

 

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.