The bill amends Massachusetts General Laws, specifically Chapter 126, Section 40, to enhance the reporting requirements for jails and houses of correction in Middlesex County. It introduces a new overview section for the Quarterly Population Report, mandating the collection and reporting of various data points for each individual committed to a jail or house of correction. These data points include probation central file number, state identification number, race and ethnicity, offense-based tracking number, type of release, type of admission, length of sentence, jail credit, earned time, program participation, case disposition, and bail amount. The reports must be aggregated quarterly and submitted to relevant public safety officials without identifying information about individual inmates, thereby promoting transparency and accountability in the management of the jail system.
Additionally, the bill includes new definitions for key terms and emphasizes the importance of tracking demographic data related to individuals in the justice system. It highlights that certain required data points, such as case disposition and bail information, are managed by the Trial Court rather than the Sheriffs' Offices. The bill aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the inmate population, focusing on the diversity within the system and the varying lengths of sentences. By documenting these demographics and statuses, the bill seeks to inform policymakers and the public about the current state of incarceration in Middlesex County, potentially guiding future reforms or resource allocations to address disparities in the justice system.