The bill mandates the Massachusetts Department of Correction, in collaboration with the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, to produce biannual operational capacity reports on correctional facilities. These reports will include detailed data such as an inventory of buildings used for housing inmates, changes in housing unit purposes, original design capacities, average daily recreation time, and average inmate counts. The reports must also indicate the occupancy status of buildings, whether they are occupied, unoccupied but available, or no longer habitable. New legal language has been introduced to specify the current occupancy status of housing units and to clarify the types of facilities and services available, including dormitory-style arrangements and the inclusion of an Electronic Monitoring Program for eligible individuals.
Additionally, the bill outlines various updates to the operational capacity report, including the insertion of specific terms for housing units and the removal of outdated language regarding housing descriptions. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate occupancy records and provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of correctional facilities in Massachusetts. The bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of correctional facilities, ensuring that the needs of the inmate population are met effectively while providing clear and up-to-date information on operational capacities and conditions.