The bill H.540 amends existing laws regarding sentencing alternatives and the implementation of 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 necessitate 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 for restorative justice participation as a sentence or condition of probation, removing previous references to civil contempt related to child support.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a new section, 28 V.S.A. § 913, which outlines the court's authority to require participation in the Restorative Justice Program for certain nonviolent offenses. It specifies that such referrals do not require probation and sets forth criteria for the court to consider when making this determination, including victim input and the offender's willingness to participate. The bill mandates the creation of standardized referral forms 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