An act relating to the expansion of approaches to restorative justice

This bill expands Vermont's restorative justice program by authorizing the Attorney General to create a state-funded diversion project for juveniles charged with criminal offenses or delinquent acts. It allows law enforcement and prosecutors to refer youth to community-based restorative justice providers before formal charges are filed, and permits prosecutors to refer those charged with certain misdemeanors or nonviolent felonies after charges are filed. The Attorney General will fund these programs through grants or contracts with local municipalities and organizations, with the ability to require local financial contributions. The bill requires annual reporting on program outcomes, including data on referrals, demographics, offense types, and completion rates, while establishing policies to ensure victims are informed and can participate in the restorative process.