CT HB05218

Establishes a "just cause" standard of review for all teacher contract termination and nonrenewal decisions, applying to both tenured and non-tenured teachers effective July 1, 2026

Requires termination hearings for tenured teachers to be conducted before an impartial hearing officer (rather than the board of education or subcommittee), with the hearing officer's written disposition binding on both parties

Mandates that parties share equally the hearing officer's fee and incidental costs, with the American Arbitration Association selecting the hearing officer if parties cannot agree within five calendar days

Changes appeals process so that parties aggrieved by a hearing officer's award may apply to Superior Court to confirm, vacate, or modify the award under arbitration statutes (sections 52-417 to 52-419) rather than the previous administrative appeal process

Expands protections for teachers injured by "challenging behavior" (not just assault) to include continued full salary without deduction from sick leave, vacation, personal leave, or other accrued leave, and creates a private right of action in Superior Court for financial losses with potential recovery of attorney's fees