Bill > SB938

This bill modifies Oregon's restorative justice grant program by expanding the types of entities that can receive grants and establishing a dedicated account for program funding. Specifically, the bill allows the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission to award grants to statewide coalitions that support restorative justice efforts, even if those coalitions do not directly provide programs. The bill creates the Restorative Justice Grant Program Account, which will be continuously appropriated to the commission and can receive funds from legislative appropriations, grants, donations, and other sources. The bill also strengthens data privacy protections by stipulating that participant data can only be used for statistical purposes and may not reveal individual identities. The grant program's existing requirements remain in place, including that applicants must demonstrate coordination with community organizations, focus on healing and repairing harm, and work collaboratively with various justice system partners. An advisory committee will continue to evaluate and approve grant awards. The bill declares an emergency, meaning it will go into effect immediately upon the Governor's signature, with the goal of advancing restorative justice approaches in the state's criminal justice system.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB938