The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 126, Section 40, to enhance the reporting requirements for jails and houses of correction. It introduces a new section titled "Overview of Quarterly Population Report for the Individual Massachusetts Sheriffs' Offices," which requires sheriffs to compile and submit quarterly reports detailing various data points for each individual committed to their facilities, including probation central file numbers, state identification numbers, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking numbers. These reports will be submitted to key public safety officials without any identifying information about individual inmates. The bill also includes new definitions for critical data points and notes the limitations of the Sheriffs' Offices in reporting certain data that originates from the Trial Court.

Additionally, the bill proposes amendments to improve the management and reporting of inmate data within the Middlesex County jail system, emphasizing the collection of demographic information and the need for accurate records on admissions, releases, and earned time credits. It aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the correctional system, allowing for better oversight and analysis of incarceration trends. The legislation also introduces new legal language to protect the privacy of individuals whose data is collected and outlines the responsibilities of correctional facilities in complying with these reporting standards. Overall, the bill seeks to promote fairness and equity in the correctional system by ensuring systematic data collection and utilization.