An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group
Sponsored By: Karen N Dolan (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Uniform court forms for restorative referrals
Beginning July 1, 2026, the Court Administrator creates a standard statewide form to refer cases to the Restorative Justice Program, and all courts use it. The Vermont Supreme Court can set procedures to carry out these referrals.
Restorative justice for some nonviolent crimes
Beginning July 1, 2026, Vermont runs a Restorative Justice Program through community reparative boards. Judges can send people who plead guilty to a nonviolent felony, a nonviolent misdemeanor, or a misdemeanor not barred by law to this program. A judge can also make program participation a condition of probation, but a referral does not require probation. If the board will not take the case or the person does not finish to the board’s satisfaction in a reasonable time, the person must return to court for sentencing. Before ordering a referral, judges must consider any agreement between the parties, the victim’s views, community impact, the person’s willingness and ability to take part, and any protection orders. The program is also available when a court orders it for civil contempt of a child support order.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Karen N Dolan
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
House message: Governor approved bill on April 20, 2026
4/22/2026HouseSigned by Governor on April 20, 2026
4/21/2026HouseDelivered to Governor on April 14, 2026
4/14/2026HouseSenate Message: Passed in concurrence
4/7/2026SenateRead 3rd time & passed in concurrence
4/3/2026SenateNew Business/Third Reading
4/3/2026SenateReported favorably by Senator Vyhovsky for Committee on Judiciary, read 2nd time and 3rd reading ordered
4/2/2026SenateFavorable report by Committee on Judiciary
4/2/2026SenateNew Business/Second Reading
4/2/2026SenateFavorable report by Committee on Judiciary
4/1/2026SenateSecond Reading
4/1/2026SenateEntered on Notice Calendar
4/1/2026SenateRead 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary
2/11/2026SenateRead third time and passed
2/6/2026HouseAction Calendar: Third Reading
2/6/2026HouseThird Reading ordered
2/5/2026HouseRep. Headrick of Burlington reported for the Committee on Corrections and Institutions
2/5/2026HouseRead second time
2/5/2026HouseAction Calendar: Favorable
2/5/2026HouseNotice Calendar: Favorable
2/4/2026HouseRead first time and referred to the Committee on Corrections and Institutions
1/6/2026House
Bill Text
As Enacted (ACT 81)Opens in a new window
4/30/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers
4/8/2026
As Passed by Both Chambers (Unofficial)
4/8/2026
As Passed by the House
2/10/2026
As Passed by the House (Unofficial)
2/10/2026
As Introduced
1/5/2026
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