SB 473 - This act requires that the public body and the exclusive bargaining representative shall bargain in good faith to reach an amicable agreement. Tentative bargaining agreements shall be ratified pursuant to the ratification process established by the exclusive bargaining representative. If an agreement is not reached, disputes are resolved pursuant to the impasse resolution process agreed to by the parties. If no such process is agreed to, upon application of either party, the state board of mediation may hold a conference with the parties and assist in negotiating or drafting a settlement agreement or submitting the dispute to binding arbitration. This act is similar to SB 486 (2009), HB 1001 (2009), and HB 1159 (2009). CHRIS HOGERTY