It could soon be harder to fire teachers in Connecticut under a bill passed by the state Senate Tuesday.

The measure would shift final termination decisions from local school boards to a neutral arbitrator.

Teachers could also only be fired for "just cause" under the proposal.

In a separate vote, the Senate also approved a ban on police handcuffing children under 14.

Exceptions would apply if the child is threatening physical violence.

Both bills now head to the House.