Bill > HB1254

This bill, titled "Restorative Justice," aims to expand the use and framework of restorative justice practices in Colorado, which are methods focused on repairing harm caused by offenses to victims and the community through facilitated dialogue. Key provisions include clarifying that restorative justice practices are not solely victim-initiated, allowing defendants to request participation, and ensuring victims are consulted and offered opportunities to participate or provide impact statements, even if they choose not to attend. The bill also establishes a Restorative Justice Coordinating Council to develop evaluation tools, a database of programs, and report on restorative justice usage, and creates a pilot project for juvenile restorative justice programs to assess their effectiveness in diverting youth from the formal justice system and promoting accountability and victim satisfaction. Furthermore, it mandates a ten-dollar surcharge on convictions and juvenile adjudications to fund restorative justice programs and administrative expenses, with provisions for fee waivers for indigency, and clarifies victim rights to be informed about and participate in these practices.