Bill H.540, introduced by Representative Dolan, aims to implement the recommendations from the final report of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group. The bill amends existing laws regarding sentencing alternatives and restorative justice programs. Specifically, it modifies 13 V.S.A. § 7030 to replace the term "community reparative board" with "community reparative program" and clarifies the conditions under which offenders can be referred to these programs. The bill also removes certain stipulations regarding the necessity of probation for offenders referred to the program and outlines the process for further sentencing if the reparative board does not accept the case or if the offender fails to complete the program satisfactorily.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 28 V.S.A. § 913, which establishes guidelines for the referral of offenders to the Restorative Justice Program. This section allows courts to require participation in the program for offenders who have pled guilty to specific nonviolent offenses, either as a condition of probation or as a standalone requirement. The court is instructed to consider various factors when determining participation, including the agreement between parties, victim perspectives, and the offender's willingness and capacity to engage in the program. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 13-7030, 28-910