(a) This section applies only to:
(1) a fire department that serves a municipality with a population of 1.9 million or more; and
(2) an association that is a bargaining agent for the employees of a fire department described by Subdivision (1).
(b) A public employer and an association that is a bargaining agent shall submit to binding interest arbitration if the parties:
(1) reach an impasse in collective bargaining; or
(2) are unable to settle after the 61st day after the date the appropriate lawmaking body fails to approve a contract reached through collective bargaining.
(c) Each party shall send to the other party a written notice specifying each issue in dispute for purposes of binding arbitration not later than the fifth day after:
(1) the date an impasse was reached under Section 174.152;
(2) the expiration of an extension period under Section 174.152; or
(3) the expiration of the period described by Subsection (b)(2).
(d) A notice under Subsection (c) is considered sent on the date the notice is placed in the mail, personally delivered, or transmitted by e-mail or any other means of electronic transfer.