Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2026
- Sponsor
- Rep. Watson Coleman, Bonnie [D-NJ-12]
- Committees
- Education and Workforce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 16, 2026
Bottom line
This bill creates a federal commission to address racial and gender biases in school discipline and improve mental health support for students of color through restorative justice practices and recommended staffing ratios.
What it actually does
This bill authorizes the Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to establish an interagency advisory Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education. The Commission is tasked with developing guidelines, definitions, and training materials for restorative justice practices, increasing culturally competent mental health support, and recommending optimal school psychologist-to-student and counselor-to-student ratios, with a focus on students of color.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue the bill addresses systemic racial and gender biases in school discipline, which lead to harsher measures and barriers for students of color. They believe that culturally competent professional development, increased mental health support, and clear restorative justice practices will create more equitable learning environments, improve student well-being, and reduce disciplinary disparities.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that establishing another commission adds bureaucracy without guaranteeing tangible results, potentially diverting resources that could be used for direct interventions. Concerns could also be raised about federal overreach into local school discipline policies or the potential for definitions and guidelines to be overly prescriptive or difficult to implement uniformly across diverse school districts.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its core provisions and purpose.
Section 3(a)
Establishment of the Interagency Advisory Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education
This provision mandates the Secretary of Education, in collaboration with the Secretary of Health and Human Services, to establish a commission within 90 days of the bill's enactment. The commission, named the Interagency Advisory Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education, is tasked with providing guidance and recommendations related to restorative justice practices and mental health support in schools.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated interagency commission is essential to bring together expertise and coordinate federal efforts to address complex issues like racial bias in school discipline and mental health disparities, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
Critics contend
Critics might contend that establishing a new commission adds another layer of bureaucracy and may not be the most efficient or effective way to achieve the stated goals, suggesting that existing agencies could integrate these efforts.
Tradeoffs
The tradeoff involves balancing the need for dedicated focus and interagency coordination (achieved by a commission) against concerns about creating new bureaucratic structures and potential delays in direct action.
Section 3(b)
Mandated Activities and Recommendations for Restorative Justice and Mental Health Support
This section outlines the core responsibilities of the Commission. These include creating guidelines for schools to track student participation in restorative practices, developing standardized definitions for 'restorative justice' for the Department of Education, and distributing training materials for school personnel focused on reducing bias and enhancing cultural competency. Additionally, the Commission is tasked with increasing school personnel's ability to provide culturally competent mental health support for students of color and recommending optimal school psychologist-to-student and counselor-to-student ratios to schools receiving federal funds.
Section 3(c)
Composition and Appointment of Commission Members
This provision details the composition of the Commission, limiting it to 13 members appointed by the Secretaries of Education and Health and Human Services. Members are drawn from various federal offices (e.g., Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Office for Civil Rights), advocacy organizations focused on restorative justice and mental health, and include scholarly experts and students/family members of students of color. Members serve without pay but receive travel expenses.
Section 3(f), 3(g)
Annual and Final Reports, and Commission Termination
The Commission is required to submit annual reports for five years, detailing its progress, information gathered, distribution of training materials, efforts to increase mental health support, and steps taken to improve school psychologist/counselor capacity and reduce disproportionate discipline. The final report must include comprehensive findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The Commission will terminate 90 days after submitting its final report.