Representative Logan introduces bill defining ‘good cause’ termination and creating unlawful‑practice remedy

Representative Kate Logan introduced H.344, which would amend Title 21 to define a new unlawful employment practice for terminations made without "good cause." "This would amend Title 21 to establish, a new unlawful employment practice that, would be essentially of not, you know, firing somebody without a good reason. So this establishes a definition for good cause termination of an employee," Logan told the committee.

Under the draft, "good cause" would mean a reasonable, good‑faith reason for discharge related to a "legitimate business reason;" the bill would exclude discharges for trivial, arbitrary or capricious reasons. The bill also would allow employers to discharge employees for any reason if the employee has worked for less than 90 days. Logan said legitimate business reasons could include failure to satisfactorily perform job duties and provided examples such as elimination of a position or workforce reductions.

Members questioned how broadly the definition should read, how courts would evaluate disputes, and practical implications for employers and employees. Logan said the bill raises expectations on employers to document job descriptions and disciplinary processes so terminations can be defended if challenged in court.

No committee vote was recorded at the introduction. Members discussed possible clarifications to the statutory definition, and Logan said drafting refinements could be made to list or clarify legitimate business reasons.

Ending: The sponsor and members agreed the measure would require more precise drafting on the definition of legitimate business reason and how courts should weigh evidence.