The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 126, Section 40, to enhance the reporting requirements for sheriffs regarding the population of jails and houses of correction. It introduces a new section titled "Overview of Quarterly Population Report for the Individual Massachusetts Sheriffs' Offices," which mandates that sheriffs compile and submit quarterly reports detailing various data points for each individual committed to their facilities, including identifiers such as probation central file numbers, state identification numbers, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking numbers. The reports are to be submitted to key public safety officials and committees to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of correctional facilities. Additionally, the bill includes new definitions for critical data points and highlights limitations in reporting certain data, such as case disposition and bail information, which are outside the sheriffs' control.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection and reporting practices, particularly regarding the demographic composition of the inmate population. It includes provisions for tracking admissions and releases, focusing on race and ethnicity, and aims to improve the clarity and effectiveness of existing laws governing these processes. By streamlining the reporting framework and removing outdated language, the bill seeks to enhance the overall efficiency of the justice system while promoting equitable treatment of all individuals. The proposed changes are intended to foster a more inclusive approach to justice, ensuring that all communities are adequately represented in official records and that disparities in treatment based on race and ethnicity are addressed.