An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Nader Hashim

The bill creates a post-adjudication reparative program framework to guide accountability, rehabilitation, and community restitution for individuals after adjudication.

Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Judiciary

Bill overview

S.180 (2025-2026) of Vermont, titled An act relating to the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group, seeks to adopt policy changes based on the findings and recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group. The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Committee on Judiciary on January 6, 2026. Co-sponsor: Nader Hashim.

Purpose and intent

To implement the recommendations of the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program Working Group.

The core aim is to address post-adjudication processes and reparative approaches, likely focusing on restorative or reparative mechanisms for individuals who have been adjudicated, with the goal of reducing recidivism, promoting accountability, and enhancing public safety through structured reparative programs.

Key provisions and changes (highlights)

Note: The exact statutory text is not provided here, but anticipated categories based on the bill’s title and purpose include:

Establishment or codification of a reparative program framework to be applied after adjudication.

Guidelines for eligibility and referral to the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program.

Program goals, including accountability measures, rehabilitation components, and community reparative activities.

Oversight and administration: designation of administering agencies or departments, program staff roles, and reporting requirements.

Accountability and evaluation: performance metrics, outcome tracking, and periodic reporting to the Legislature.

Funding and resources: appropriation mechanisms or funding authorization to support program operations, services, and evaluations.

Protections and rights: due process considerations for participants, confidentiality provisions, and safeguards for participants and victims.

Who would be affected

Individuals who have undergone adjudication and are referred to the Post-Adjudication Reparative Program.

Vermont agencies responsible for justice, corrections, probation, and rehabilitation programs.

Victims and communities involved in or affected by reparative activities.

Service providers delivering rehabilitative or reparative services under the program (e.g., counseling, education, restitution support).

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and read for the first time on 2026-01-06.

Referred to the Judiciary Committee for consideration, where it may be studied, amended, and advanced.

Potential further steps include committee hearings, passage by both chambers, and potential gubernatorial action. Timelines will depend on committee schedules and legislative priorities.

Potential impact and considerations

Provides a structured pathway for reparative responses following adjudication, which could foster rehabilitation and community restitution.

May enhance consistency in post-adjudication reparative options across Vermont.

Could entail new reporting requirements for agencies and annual progress updates to lawmakers.

Funding decisions will determine the scope and effectiveness of the program.

If you’d like, I can adjust the summary once the bill text is available to confirm specific provisions, funding amounts, eligibility criteria, and reporting metrics.