General Assembly Raised Bill No. 351 seeks to reform the termination process for teachers by instituting a "just cause" standard for contract terminations and requiring that termination hearings be conducted before a neutral arbitrator. The bill repeals existing subsections (c) to (e) of section 10-151 of the general statutes and introduces new provisions effective July 1, 2026. Key features include the requirement for substantiated reasons for termination, the right for teachers to request a hearing with legal counsel present, and a structured process for evaluating teacher performance. The bill also mandates that hearings commence within a specified timeframe and outlines procedures for selecting an arbitrator if the parties cannot reach an agreement.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the appeal process for decisions made by hearing officers, allowing either party to appeal to the Superior Court to confirm, vacate, or modify the award, provided they submit a complete transcript of the hearing. It eliminates the previous appeal process and the requirement for the court to review board meeting minutes related to the termination. The legislation maintains the authority of the board of education or superintendent to suspend a teacher for serious misconduct while ensuring the teacher's rights are upheld. Costs associated with the hearing will be shared equally, and the court will prioritize these cases for timely resolution. The bill aims to enhance job security for teachers and ensure fair treatment in termination proceedings.