Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2026

Bill Number: H.R. 8360
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Education
Status: Introduced
Latest Action: 2026-04-16: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Last Updated: 2026-04-27T19:54:41Z

AI-Generated Summary

The legislation aims to address racial and gender biases in school discipline by establishing an advisory commission. It seeks to:

Support mental and behavioral health for students of color (students from racial minority groups).
Boost access to culturally competent (sensitive to cultural differences) mental health and counseling services.
Recommend ideal ratios of school psychologists and counselors to students for better school climates.
Promote restorative justice practices (approaches that repair harm through dialogue and relationships, rather than punishment) to create fair learning environments.

Establishment: The Secretary of Education, with the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), must create the Interagency Advisory Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education within 90 days of enactment.
Duties:
Guidelines for schools to track students in mediation and restorative practices.
Definitions of "restorative justice" and "restorative practices" for use by the Department of Education.
Training materials for school staff on bias reduction, cultural competency, and classroom approaches like peer discussions.
Ways to improve culturally responsive mental health support.
Recommended psychologist-to-student and counselor-to-student ratios for schools receiving federal education funds.
Membership: Up to 13 unpaid members from specific federal offices (e.g., Office of Civil Rights, Office of Special Education), organizations on restorative justice and mental health, experts, and students/family of color. Appointed within 90 days; chair selected by the Secretary.
Operations: Initial meeting within 60 days; at least 7 more meetings. Secretary provides staff; travel expenses covered.
Reporting: Annual reports for 5 years to federal leaders and committees, covering progress, training distribution, and discipline reductions. Final report includes recommendations; commission ends 90 days later.

New Entity: Creates a temporary advisory commission, which does not exist under current law.
Guidance and Standards: Introduces federal definitions, tracking guidelines, training materials, and staffing ratios as recommendations (not mandates), potentially influencing school policies under programs like the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.

Government Agencies: Requires collaboration between Departments of Education and HHS; adds reporting duties and staff needs, but commission is short-term (about 5 years).
Citizens:
Students of color may see reduced harsh discipline and better mental health access.
School staff gain training to handle behavior more equitably.
Schools receiving federal funds get tools for fairer practices, possibly improving climates and engagement.
International Relations: None.

Students of color and their families (direct focus for equity and support).
School personnel (teachers, psychologists, counselors) via training and ratios.
Elementary and secondary schools receiving federal funds.
Federal agencies: Departments of Education and HHS, plus listed offices.
Advocacy groups: Organizations on restorative justice, mental health, and equity for students of color.

Legal: Commission is advisory only—produces non-binding recommendations, avoiding direct regulatory power.
Constitutional: Supports equal protection under the 14th Amendment by targeting discipline disparities, but no enforcement mechanisms raise questions on implementation.
Political: Highlights congressional findings on bias in schools; could spark debate on federal role in local discipline while promoting evidence-based equity without mandating changes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Commission on Advancing Restorative Justice in Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 2026 — issued 2026-04-16 — PDF (10 pages)