HB 823 - This act authorizes the Director of the Department of Corrections to establish a program of restorative justice within its facilities. It would require offenders to offer acts or expressions of remorse for the offense committed to the victims and the community affected by the offense. The program must include community service work and participation in victim- oriented programs.

The act also requires the Department to establish local sentencing alternatives to enable offenders to promote accountability of offenders to crime victims, ensure that victims are included in the state's response to crime, involve local communities in sentencing options, reduce the cost of punishment and supervision, and improve the public confidence in the criminal justice system.

The Department must also provide training for eligible volunteers and develop specific conditions of a probation program. These conditions may include compensation and restitution, participation in victim-offender mediation, impact panels, and community service.

The act also has provisions pertaining to the construction of a minimum security correctional facility in Kansas City.

The act has an emergency clause.
TOM MORTON