CA AB2598

State Department of Education must develop evidence-based best practices for restorative justice implementation in schools by June 1, 2024, and publish them on its website for local educational agencies to use.

Department must consult with school-based restorative justice practitioners, educators, pupils, community partners, and nonprofit/public entities when developing the best practices.

Department is encouraged to incorporate resources and practices from aligned initiatives including the Scaling Up MTSS Statewide (SUMS) Initiative, California Community Schools Partnership Program, and social-emotional learning resources.

Best practices are intended to help schools improve campus culture and climate through restorative justice programs as an alternative to suspension.

"Local educational agency" is defined to include school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.