CT SB00319

Establishes a 20-day timeline for arbitration hearings in municipal labor disputes, with parties required to submit proposed agreements and cost data at least 2 days before the hearing begins.

Creates a structured post-hearing process requiring the arbitration panel to issue an arbitration statement within 5 days, parties to file statements of last best offer within 10 days, and briefs within 7 days followed by reply briefs within 5 days.

Requires the arbitration panel to issue its final decision within 20 days after the last day for filing reply briefs, with each panel member stating specific reasons and standards for each decision.

Allows municipal legislative bodies to reject arbitration awards within 25 days by a two-thirds majority vote, with a review panel of arbitrators then reconsidering rejected issues within 20 days and issuing a final binding decision within 5 days.

Requires all municipal arbitration cases to be concluded within 180 days from when either party requests arbitration services or binding arbitration is imposed, though parties may jointly modify deadlines by up to 90 days with certain limitations.