The bill amends existing laws regarding sentencing alternatives and restorative justice programs in Vermont. It modifies 13 V.S.A. 7030 to replace the term "community reparative board" with "community reparative program" and clarifies that referral to this program does not require probation. Additionally, it establishes that offenders who do not complete the program satisfactorily must return to court for further sentencing. The bill also amends 28 V.S.A. 910 to allow participation in restorative justice programs as a condition of probation and introduces a new section, 28 V.S.A. 913, which outlines the criteria for court-ordered participation in restorative justice programs for certain nonviolent offenses.

Furthermore, the new section specifies that the court may consider various factors when determining participation in the program, including the agreement between parties, victim perspectives, and the offender's willingness and capacity to engage. It mandates the creation of standardized referral forms by the Court Administrator and allows the Supreme Court to adopt procedural rules to implement these changes. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-7030, 28-910
As Passed By the House -- Official: 13-7030, 28-910
As Passed By the House -- Unofficial: 13-7030, 28-910
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Official: 13-7030, 28-910
As Passed by Both House and Senate -- Unofficial: 13-7030, 28-910
As Enacted: 13-7030, 28-910