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 section titled "Overview of Quarterly Population Report for the Individual Massachusetts Sheriffs' Offices," which mandates that sheriffs compile and submit quarterly reports detailing various data points for each individual committed to their facilities, including identifiers such as probation central file numbers, state identification numbers, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking numbers. Additionally, the bill includes a section titled "Data Definitions & Disclaimer," clarifying critical data points and noting that certain required data, such as case disposition and bail amounts, are sourced 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 improved reporting.

Furthermore, the bill proposes amendments to existing laws regarding the classification and reporting of individuals based on race and ethnicity within the Suffolk County jail system. It introduces new legal language specifying categories for racial and ethnic identification, including "Black/African American," "White," "Hispanic/Latino," and "Other/Unknown," while removing outdated classifications that may hinder effective data collection. The bill emphasizes the importance of accurately documenting inmate data, including time served and earned credits for good behavior, to promote fairness in the justice system. Overall, the proposed changes aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and the equitable treatment of individuals within the correctional system.