The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 126, Section 40, to enhance the reporting requirements for jails and houses of correction in Essex County. It introduces a new section titled "Overview of Quarterly Population Report for the Individual Massachusetts Sheriffs' Offices," which mandates sheriffs to compile and submit quarterly reports detailing various data points for each inmate, including probation central file number, state identification number, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking number, while ensuring that no identifying information about individual inmates is included. The bill also includes new definitions for terms related to inmate identification and notes that certain data points, such as case disposition and bail amounts, are sourced from the Trial Court rather than the Sheriffs' Offices.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of tracking demographic data, specifically focusing on race and ethnicity, to ensure accurate representation and monitoring of the inmate population. It introduces new legal language that mandates the inclusion of specific identifiers for inmates, such as "Hispanic/Latino," "Black/African American," and "Other/Unknown," while removing outdated classifications that do not align with current standards. The proposed changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability within the correctional system, improve the management of inmate admissions and releases, and ultimately support efforts to address disparities in the criminal justice system.