IL HB3248

Adds Section 804.5 to the Code of Civil Procedure to establish a privilege for restorative justice practices, protecting communications during conferences, circles, and related gatherings from use in civil, criminal, juvenile, or administrative proceedings.

Defines key terms including "restorative justice practice" (a gathering where parties who caused or experienced harm work collectively to identify and repair harm), "facilitator," "party," "circle," and "conference."

Makes all statements and actions during restorative justice practices privileged and inadmissible unless the party or parties covered by the privilege waive it in writing or during the proceeding, with each participant's waiver limited only to their own participation.

Permits privilege exceptions when disclosure is necessary to prevent death, great bodily harm, or commission of a crime; when required by law; or when a court requests a limited report on whether a practice occurred and its success.

Applies to all restorative justice practices convened on or after the effective date and takes effect upon becoming law.