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A 2256

Concerns "Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program."

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shanique Speight

Establishes a three-year statewide Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program overseen by the Attorney General to provide voluntary, trauma-informed restorative justice serv

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 2256

Summary: Assembly Bill A2256 (2026) – Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program

Jurisdiction: New Jersey
Session: 222
Sponsor: Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (District 29)

Status: Introduced and referred; pre-filed for 2026 session
Action history: Reported out of Assembly Committee with amendments, 2nd Reading (May 4, 2026)

Purpose and intent

A2256 concerns the "Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program." It modifies the current framework for establishing a restorative justice pilot dedicated to survivors of sexual violence, expanding program scope and clarifying confidentiality and evidentiary rules. The bill aims to:

  • Ensure the Attorney General designs and oversees a restorative justice program for survivors of sexual violence, with implementation support from an appropriate state division.
  • Replace the previous structure requiring two separate organizations (one to design/assist and one to conduct the program) with a design-and-conduct framework under the Division of Violence and Victim Assistance, selected via a request-for-proposals (RFP) process.
  • Expand access to program services nationwide within the state (not limited to designated northern/central/southern counties).

Key provisions and changes

1) Program duration and design

  • The Attorney General shall establish a three-year Sexual Violence Restorative Justice Pilot Program (or a different duration if funding is available).
  • The Division of Violence and Victim Assistance shall be used to design the program.
  • The program shall be implemented by entering into an agreement to conduct the program with an organization selected through an RFP process. The organization must demonstrate expertise in trauma-informed care and cannot be associated with any law enforcement agency.
  • The previous requirement that two separate organizations be compensated (one for design/assistance and one to conduct) is removed.

2) Participant participation and scope

  • The program shall use direct participation of survivors of sexual violence, including survivors who did not report the act to law enforcement.
  • Restorative justice practices must uphold survivor autonomy, restore a sense of control, and focus on healing outcomes.
  • Participation is voluntary for both survivors and persons accused of sexual assault; a survivor may stop participating at any time.
  • The pilot program shall provide services to victims located throughout New Jersey (not restricted to specific regions).

3) Evaluation and reporting

  • The Attorney General, with the selected organization, must submit a report evaluating the pilot’s effectiveness to the Governor and the Legislature within 90 days after program completion.
  • The report should assess whether the pilot should be continued, expanded, or made permanent.

4) Definition and format of restorative justice

  • “Restorative justice” is defined as repairing harm through involvement of affected individuals and the community, with attention to the victim’s justice expectations and accountability for the offender.
  • Formats may include sharing circles, victim impact panels, and facilitated conferences.

5) Confidentiality and privilege

  • Any written or oral communications, submissions, or actions in preparation for or during a restorative justice program interaction are confidential and privileged and not accessible to the public under the Open Public Records Act.
  • Privileged information is not subject to discovery or disclosure in judicial or extrajudicial proceedings, unless waived by the protected participant.
  • Waiver is limited to the participation and communication of the waiving party; other participants’ communications remain privileged unless waived.
  • Admissibility: Information otherwise admissible in court is not excluded solely because it was discussed in the restorative justice program.
  • In-court privacy: If a privilege is challenged, a judge must hold an in-camera hearing to determine privilege status, and may consider otherwise privileged information if probative.
  • Exceptions to privilege: Disclosure is allowed if necessary to prevent death or serious bodily injury or crime; necessary to comply with another law; or a report is required by a judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative body. Such reports must limit content to the fact of participation, opinions on success, and whether further restorative justice is expected.

6) Effective date

  • The act takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Survivors of sexual violence: Eligible to participate voluntarily; can discontinue participation at any time.
  • Persons accused of sexual assault: May participate; participation also voluntary.
  • State agencies: Attorney General and the Division of Violence and Victim Assistance oversee and design the program.
  • Selected service organization: An organization with trauma-informed care expertise chosen via an RFP to conduct the program (no association with law enforcement; funding status adjusted per bill language).

Potential impact

  • Clarity and standardization: Streamlines program design and implementation under a single state division, potentially simplifying administration and oversight.
  • Broader access: Removes geographic limitations, enabling statewide program availability.
  • Confidentiality enhancements: Strong privacy protections may increase survivor willingness to engage in restorative processes.
  • Funding and governance: Changes the compensation structure for the implementing organization and aligns with current RFP processes; impacts budgeting and procurement.
  • Evaluation-driven: Requires formal assessment with a view toward continuation, expansion, or permanency based on measured outcomes.

This summary captures the bill’s main purpose, substantive provisions, affected parties, and key procedural elements. If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with current law (P.L.2021, c.60) or a plain-language briefing for non-legal audiences.

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

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