An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in commencement of proceedings, providing for restorative justice.
What changed between versions
Added new definitions for 'accountability,' 'community conference,' 'consensual healing dialogue,' 'facilitator,' and 'restorative justice' to clarify the program's components and processes.
Expanded eligibility for restorative justice pretrial diversion to include low-level nonviolent offenses, first-time offenders, minors, students, and individuals with documented educational needs or mental health diagnoses.
Added requirements for restorative justice plans to include repair of harm, agreement by all parties, and time limits for completion.
Established confidentiality protections for restorative justice communications and processes, with exceptions for new charges during the process and mandatory child abuse reporting.
Updated bill text to reflect the January 28, 2026 amendment date and added sponsor Waxman and Hanbridge to the list of original sponsors.
