Bill > SB219

This bill establishes a School-Based Youth Court Pilot Program to provide an alternative, trauma-informed approach to student disciplinary actions. The program will operate for three school years and involves creating youth courts within schools where student peers, under guidance from adult mentors, can address minor disciplinary infractions through restorative justice techniques. The Department of Education will create an Education and Justice Resource Center to develop program guidelines, provide training, and oversee implementation. The bill authorizes up to six grants of up to $250,000 each annually to help schools develop youth courts, with priority given to school districts with lower local funding capacity and high suspension rates. These youth courts will be staffed by students under 21 years old who will be trained by professionals and can impose sanctions like community service, mentorship, mediation, goal-setting tasks, and educational workshops. Grantees must submit annual reports detailing case referrals, training, and outcomes, and the department will publish an annual report on the program's progress. The bill also establishes a Youth Court Program Account with an initial transfer of $9.5 million from the General Fund to support the program, with the initiative set to begin on July 1, 2025, or immediately thereafter.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=219