MA H3303

Creates an Office of Restorative Justice within the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, led by a director appointed by the Secretary of Administration and Finance who must have substantial training and professional experience in restorative justice

Office serves as the primary administrative and funding entity for publicly sponsored restorative justice initiatives, with authority to design, develop, launch, and fund programs as well as establish best practice standards and provide technical assistance

Restorative practices include victim-offender conferences, family group conferences, circles, and community conferences that can be used before, during, or after court involvement

Director must convene an 18-member statewide advisory committee with equal representation from government (legislative, judicial, executive branches) and non-government members (indigenous communities, survivors, formerly incarcerated individuals, practitioners)

Office may charge fees to public agencies, accept grants and donations, and must submit an annual report on activities and expenditures to the governor, multiple cabinet secretaries, and legislative committees by December 31