Conroe firefighters sue city over collective bargaining ballot petition

Key Takeaways:

• The Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association filed suit on December 22, 2025
• Firefighters allege the city improperly rejected a crucial voter petition
• The petition seeks an election on collective bargaining under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 174
• The lawsuit is now being handled by the Montgomery County district court

Background on the Lawsuit

On December 22, 2025, the Conroe Professional Fire Fighters Association filed a lawsuit in Montgomery County district court. The organization contends the city of Conroe improperly dismissed a voter petition that, they argue, should have prompted an official election.

Allegations Against Conroe

In the lawsuit, the association alleges that Conroe officials failed to accept the validity of the signatures collected. By doing so, the firefighters claim, the city prevented them from moving forward with a vote on the issue of collective bargaining.

The Petition and Its Purpose

The central issue cited by the firefighters is their desire to collectively bargain under Texas Local Government Code Chapter 174. They argue that once the required number of certified signatures is gathered, an election must be held to decide whether firefighters can negotiate their terms of employment as a unified group.

Next Steps

The lawsuit is currently before the Montgomery County district court, where the firefighters hope to overturn the city’s dismissal of their petition. If the court rules in their favor, Conroe residents may have the opportunity to vote on whether to grant local firefighters the right to collectively bargain.