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 mandates that sheriffs record and report comprehensive data for each individual committed, including identifiers such as probation central file number, state identification number, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking number. Sheriffs are also required to compile this data into a quarterly report submitted to various state officials, ensuring that no identifying information about individual inmates is included. The bill introduces new legal language defining key data points and highlights limitations in reporting certain data, such as case disposition and bail amounts, which originate from the Trial Court.

Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to improve the management and reporting of inmate admissions and releases in the Norfolk jail system. It emphasizes the collection of demographic data, particularly focusing on race and ethnicity, to ensure accurate representation and monitoring of the inmate population. The bill introduces new legal language specifying the requirements for documenting this demographic information and outlines the process for calculating earned time credits. By streamlining the legal framework and replacing outdated language, the bill aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of rehabilitation programs within the Norfolk Sheriff's Office, ultimately contributing to informed policy decisions and resource allocation in the correctional system.