CA AB1849

Authorizes juvenile courts in California counties to adopt restorative justice programs that address the needs of minors, victims, and communities through protocols developed with prosecutors, public defenders, and community representatives.

Requires eligible minors to be referred to restorative justice programs as part of informal supervision, nonwardship probation, disposition orders, or deferred entry of judgment unless the court determines the program is not in the minor's best interest.

Excludes certain serious offenses from restorative justice eligibility, including offenses involving firearm possession or use, crimes listed in Penal Code Section 707(b), sex offenses under Penal Code Section 290(c), and gang-related offenses under Penal Code Section 186.22.

Requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to establish pilot programs in 5 or more counties of varying sizes, with implementation beginning no later than January 1, 2014, and prohibits the use of General Fund money to support these programs.

Mandates a report to the Judicial Council by July 1, 2018 analyzing recidivism rates, cost-benefit outcomes, victim and offender satisfaction, restitution collection, and case completion rates for the pilot programs.