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 inmate, including identifiers such as probation central file number, state identification number, race and ethnicity, and other relevant information. 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, it emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection to ensure transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.

Furthermore, the bill proposes amendments to existing laws regarding the management and reporting of inmate data, particularly focusing on the collection of demographic information such as race and ethnicity for individuals admitted to and released from correctional facilities. It introduces new legal language that mandates the inclusion of specific identifiers for inmates, including booking and release dates, length of sentences, and earned time credits. The bill aims to streamline the reporting process by removing outdated provisions and ensuring comprehensive demographic data is consistently gathered, ultimately contributing to more informed policy decisions and equitable treatment within the correctional system.