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 Quarterly Population Report for individual Massachusetts Sheriffs' Offices, which mandates the collection and reporting of various data points for each person committed to these facilities, including identifiers such as probation central file number, state identification number, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking number. The reports must be submitted quarterly to designated officials while ensuring that no identifying information about individual inmates is included. Additionally, the bill establishes new definitions for key data terms and notes the limitations of Sheriffs' Offices in reporting certain data points, such as case disposition and bail information, which are managed by the Trial Court.

The bill also outlines the procedures for collecting and maintaining inmate data, emphasizing accuracy and confidentiality, and includes provisions for regular audits to ensure compliance with the new requirements. By mandating the inclusion of specific demographic information and improving the tracking of inmate participation in rehabilitation programs, the bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the correctional system. Overall, these changes are intended to foster a more equitable correctional environment and provide lawmakers with the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding criminal justice policies.