The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 126, Section 40, to enhance the reporting requirements for jails and houses of correction, particularly focusing on the Essex County jail system. It introduces a new section titled "Overview of Quarterly Population Report for the Individual Massachusetts Sheriffs' Offices," which mandates sheriffs to compile and submit quarterly reports detailing various data points for each individual committed to their facilities. This includes demographic information such as race and ethnicity, as well as probation central file numbers and offense-based tracking numbers, while ensuring that no identifying information about individual inmates is included. The bill also emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection to promote transparency and accountability in the correctional system.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language that specifies the inclusion of detailed racial and ethnic categories in the records of admissions and releases from correctional facilities, aiming to provide a clearer understanding of the demographics of incarcerated individuals. It removes outdated legal language that may hinder effective data collection and analysis, streamlining the reporting process. By implementing these changes, the bill seeks to address disparities in the treatment of different racial and ethnic groups within the justice system and inform policy decisions aimed at promoting equity and justice. Overall, the proposed amendments reflect a commitment to improving the management of inmate data and enhancing the effectiveness of correctional programming.