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H 3303

An Act establishing an office of restorative justice

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Simon Cataldo and 2 co-sponsors

Establishes the Office of Restorative Justice to fund, coordinate, and advance victim-centered practices across the Commonwealth, led by a director with an advisory board.

Hearing scheduled for 10/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-2
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Bill Summary · H 3303

Summary: H 3303 — An Act establishing an office of restorative justice

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes a dedicated Office of Restorative Justice within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, to build and coordinate restorative justice capacity across the Commonwealth.
  • The Office is the primary administrative and funding entity for publicly sponsored restorative justice initiatives and aims to support the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, as well as counties, cities, towns, community organizations, and the general public.

Key provisions

  • Definition and scope

    • Restorative justice is defined as the same meaning as in Chapter 276B, Section 1, incorporating restorative practices rooted in community values (e.g., victim-offender conferences, family group conferences, circles, community conferences, and other victim-centered practices).
    • Practices may be used before, during, and after court involvement to prevent court involvement and foster healing.

  • Administrative structure and leadership

    • An Office of Restorative Justice is created within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, subject to appropriation.
    • A Director, appointed by the Secretary of Administration and Finance, shall supervise the Office and devote full time to its duties. The Director must have substantial training and professional experience in restorative justice and maintain impartiality.

  • Functions and activities

    • Design, develop, launch, or fund restorative justice programs.
    • Create standards and guidelines for best practices; provide training, technical assistance, and educational programs.
    • Serve as a centralized repository for restorative justice resources.
    • Establish policies for grant-making, data collection, and evaluation of programs funded or operated by the Office.
    • Promote restorative justice across local communities and public entities.

  • Advisory structure

    • The Director shall convene a statewide Advisory Committee (up to 18 members) with equal government and non-government representation.
    • Government members: legislative, judicial, executive branches, and state associations (e.g., public safety, victim services, health and human services, education, child welfare, legal agencies).
    • Non-government members: indigenous communities, survivors, formerly incarcerated or incarcerated individuals, community-based restorative justice programs, and practitioners working with youths and adults.
    • Members to be diverse; no compensation, but reimbursement for ordinary expenses.

  • Funding and contracting

    • The Director may set reasonable fees for public agencies for education or services and may seek/accept federal, local, or private grants, gifts, or contributions.
    • Funds to be deposited into a separate account and expended for Office operations and programs, without further appropriation.
    • The Office may contract with public agencies, private entities, or others to carry out its functions.

  • Reporting and oversight

    • The Office must file an annual report (including income and expenditures) by December 31 with the Governor, secretaries of key agencies, Supreme Judicial Court, Trial Court, and chairs of various Ways and Means and public safety/education/judiciary committees.

Affected parties

  • Government and non-government stakeholders across the Commonwealth, including state agencies, counties, cities, towns, schools, communities, victim services, public safety, and individuals engaged in restorative justice work.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
  • Senate concurrence noted in Legislative Actions.
  • Hearing scheduled: October 14, 2025, 1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in room B-2.

Related legislation

  • House Docket No. 665 (HD 665) replaces or relates to House Bill 3303.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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