The bill S.180, introduced by Senator Hashim, aims to implement the recommendations from the final report of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group. It 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 introduces a new section, 28 V.S.A. § 913, which outlines the court's authority to require participation in the Restorative Justice Program for offenders of nonviolent crimes, detailing the conditions and considerations for such referrals.

Additionally, the bill establishes that participation in the Restorative Justice Program does not necessitate probation, and offenders must return to court if they fail to complete the program satisfactorily. It also 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