The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 126, Section 40, to enhance the reporting requirements for sheriffs regarding the population of jails and houses of correction. It introduces a new requirement for a quarterly population report that must include detailed data points for each inmate, such as probation central file number, state identification number, race and ethnicity, and type of release, while ensuring that no identifying information about individual inmates is disclosed. The bill also clarifies definitions for specific data points and notes that certain required data, like case disposition and bail amounts, are not maintained by the Sheriffs' Offices but originate from the Trial Court.
Additionally, the bill mandates the collection of detailed demographic information, including race and ethnicity, for individuals admitted to correctional facilities, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the correctional system. It removes outdated provisions that may have limited data collection and emphasizes the importance of accurate racial and ethnic identification. By streamlining the legal language and focusing on comprehensive demographic data, the bill seeks to address potential disparities in the treatment of individuals within the correctional system and promote equitable practices, ultimately reflecting a commitment to improving the integrity of the correctional process.