The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 126, Section 40, to enhance the reporting requirements for sheriffs regarding jail populations. It introduces a new mandate for quarterly population reports from each sheriff's office, which must include various data points for individuals committed, such as probation central file number, state identification number, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking number, while ensuring that no identifying information about inmates is disclosed. Additionally, the bill establishes new definitions for critical data points and notes that certain required data, like case disposition and bail amounts, are not currently available to sheriffs as they originate from the Trial Court. The Massachusetts Sheriffs Association is collaborating with the Trial Court and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to refine these metrics for future reporting.

Furthermore, the bill proposes amendments to existing laws concerning the documentation of demographic information for inmate admissions and releases, mandating the inclusion of detailed racial and ethnic classifications. It aims to streamline the data management process by removing outdated legal language that may impede effective reporting. The bill emphasizes the importance of accurate demographic data collection to improve oversight and accountability within the correctional system, ultimately contributing to more informed policy decisions and resource allocation. Overall, the legislative effort seeks to enhance transparency and address potential disparities in the treatment of individuals within the criminal justice system.