Bill > SB2650

This bill establishes a pilot program in Tennessee counties with populations over 500,000 to inform victims about "restorative justice options," which are voluntary processes like facilitated communication or community repair aimed at accountability and repair. During a 24-month period starting November 1, 2026, or once a directory of these options is available, various entities like court clerks, law enforcement, and victim-witness coordinators will provide victims with a standardized notice. This notice will include contact information for a "directory host" (a private entity managing the list of options) and inform victims that participation is voluntary, does not affect their legal rights, and that decisions about participation won't negatively impact legal proceedings. The bill also specifies that juvenile court clerks will provide this notification in certain serious juvenile cases, without relieving criminal court clerks of their duty.