CT SB00989

Prohibits arbitration panels from considering a municipality's reserve fund balance when determining the municipal employer's financial capability in binding arbitration decisions.

Changes the review process for rejected arbitration awards from a three-arbitrator panel to a single arbitrator, effective October 1, 2011.

Requires the review arbitrator to be a Connecticut resident, approved by the American Arbitration Association, and not a member of the original arbitration panel.

Limits the review arbitrator's consideration to the original hearing record, briefs, written explanations for rejection, and party responses, using the same criteria as the initial arbitration panel.

Shifts the cost of the review arbitrator's fees and transcript costs from shared expenses to the responsibility of the municipal employer's legislative body.