SB 351 Connecticut Senate · 2026 Regular Session

AN ACT ESTABLISHING STANDARD OF REVIEW FOR TEACHER TERMINATION DECISIONS AND REQUIRING TERMINATION HEARINGS TO BE BEFORE A NEUTRAL ARBITRATOR.

SB 351 establishes a "just cause" standard for terminating both tenured and non-tenured teachers' contracts in Connecticut, requiring school boards to provide specific, documented reasons for termination. It mandates that teachers who receive termination or nonrenewal notices may request a hearing before a neutral arbitrator (chosen by the teacher and superintendent) within 10 days, with the hearing starting within 15 days. The law also requires school boards to provide written reasons for termination upon request and ensures teachers can be represented by legal counsel during hearings. These changes, effective July 1, 2026, apply directly to public school teachers and school boards across the state.

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2026

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 26, 2026 Last action Apr 2, 2026

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What changed between versions

Raised Bill → LAB Joint Favorable Substitute · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renamed from a 'Raised Bill' to a 'Substitute Bill,' indicating it has been amended and approved by legislative committees. The most significant substantive change replaces the mandatory 'just cause' standard for reviewing teacher termination decisions with a requirement to use the 'same standard applied in other disciplinary actions' under the teacher's collective bargaining agreement, shifting the legal benchmark from a statutory rule to a negotiated contract term. Additionally, the hearing timeline for non-tenured teachers was extended from 15 days to 19 days after receiving notice of nonrenewal or termination.

REQUIREMENT

Replaced the statutory 'just cause' standard for reviewing teacher terminations with a reference to the standard defined in the teacher's collective bargaining agreement.

Added a requirement that the board of education must provide a written statement of reasons for nonrenewal or termination within four calendar days of the initial notice.

TIMELINE

Extended the deadline for non-tenured teachers to request a hearing after receiving notice of nonrenewal or termination from 15 calendar days to 19 calendar days.

TECHNICAL

Changed the bill title from 'Raised Bill' to 'Substitute Bill' and updated the header to reflect committee approval.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

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Key actions

Committee

Mar 17, 2026

Upper · Passed

Joint Favorable Substitute

upper

Feb 26, 2026

Committee

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Labor and Public Employees

upper

15 primary · 0 co-sponsors