Bill > H0540

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, proposes to adopt recommendations from the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group by amending existing Vermont law to replace the term "community reparative board" with "community reparative program" and to expand the use of restorative justice programs. Specifically, it allows courts to refer offenders who have pleaded guilty to nonviolent felonies or misdemeanors (excluding certain prohibited offenses) to a restorative justice program as a sentencing alternative, even without placing them on probation, with provisions for further sentencing if the program is not accepted or completed. The bill also clarifies that participation in these programs can be a condition of probation and outlines factors for courts to consider when ordering such participation, including victim views and offender willingness, and mandates standardized referral forms and potential Supreme Court procedural rules.

Justice

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.540