Committee approves restorative-justice grant program language and refers SB 938 to Ways and Means

The Senate Judiciary Committee adopted dash-1 technical amendments Feb. 27 to Senate Bill 938 and moved the bill to the floor while requesting referral to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means for fund creation and appropriation details.

SB 938, as described in committee, allows the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission (CJC) to award grant funds to a statewide coalition that supports restorative-justice programs and to establish a restorative-justice grant program account to be continuously appropriated to the CJC. The dash-1 amendments were described as technical changes.

Why it matters: Supporters said the measure would expand the CJC—s ability to fund restorative justice by recognizing coalitions that assist potential program providers in preparing grant applications. Committee staff said the new fund creation makes the bill subject to Ways and Means review.

Committee action: Senator Thatcher moved adoption of the dash-1 amendments; the committee adopted the amendment by recorded ayes. Senator Thatcher then moved SB 938, as amended, to the floor with a due-pass recommendation and asked that the bill be referred to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means.

Clarifying details: Staff said there is no immediate fiscal attached to the dash-1 amendment but that because the bill creates a new fund it will need Ways and Means review. The committee recorded the adoption and motion for referral; the motion carried.

Ending: SB 938 advanced from committee to the president—s office with a recommendation the bill go to the floor and that Ways and Means receive the referral for appropriation review.