PA HB2008

Establishes a three-year School-Based Youth Court Pilot Program within the Department of Education to create peer-run disciplinary courts in schools as an alternative to traditional suspensions and police referrals for student misconduct

Transfers $9,500,000 from the General Fund to a new Youth Court Program Account, with up to six grants of $250,000 each awarded annually to local education agencies and higher education institutions

Youth courts consist of students under 21 serving as judges and jurors who impose restorative sanctions such as community service, mentorship, mediation, apology letters, and behavior contracts rather than traditional punishments

Requires the Department of Education to create an Education and Justice Resource Center to develop guidelines, provide trauma-informed training, and support restorative justice strategies in schools

Prioritizes grant funding for school districts with below-median local funding capacity and high rates of suspensions, expulsions, and law enforcement referrals