The School-Based Youth Court Pilot Program Act establishes a framework for implementing youth courts in schools across Pennsylvania as a restorative justice approach to student misconduct. The program aims to operate for three full school years, beginning six months after the act's effective date. It includes the creation of the Youth Court Program Account, which will receive a transfer of $9,500,000 from the General Fund to support grant awards for developing these youth courts. The Department of Education is tasked with establishing guidelines and procedures for the program, including referral processes for school disciplinary cases and data collection requirements.

The act outlines the structure and operation of youth courts, which will consist of a judge and a peer tribunal or jury made up of eligible youth. It mandates training for youth court members and emphasizes the use of restorative sanctions to address misconduct. The Secretary of Education will award grants to local education agencies to help establish these programs, with a focus on schools with higher rates of disciplinary actions and those that partner with external organizations. Annual reporting requirements are set for both grantees and the Department of Education to evaluate the program's effectiveness and outcomes.