MA S2159

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

Establishes the office as the primary administrative and funding entity for publicly sponsored restorative justice initiatives, with authority to design, develop, launch, and fund programs including victim-offender conferences, family group conferences, circles, and community conferences

Requires a statewide advisory committee of up to 18 members, split equally between government representatives (from legislative, judicial, and executive branches) and non-government community members (including indigenous communities, survivors, formerly incarcerated individuals, and practitioners)

Authorizes the office to charge fees to public agencies for services, accept federal/local/private grants and gifts, and contract with public and private entities to carry out its functions

Mandates annual reporting by December 31 on activities, income, and expenditures to the governor, multiple cabinet secretaries, chief justices, and chairs of relevant legislative committees