LANSING - Police, fire, and EMS services could face increased costs if a pending state bill passes.

If passed, SB 850, the Collective Bargaining Bill would exempt police, fire, and EMS employees from increasing wages and benefits after the expiration of their collective bargaining agreement.

Currently, employers cannot provide wages and benefits that exceed what employees received in their previous contract, in cases when one contract expires and a new one is not yet in place.

Those opposed to the bill say that it is unfair for public employees to be denied wage raises and benefit increases during contract negotiations.