The bill amends G.L. 127, Sections 1A and 1B, to clarify the roles of the Commissioner of Correction and the Sheriffs of each county in the bi-annual inspection of county correctional facilities. The Commissioner is now explicitly responsible for conducting inspections to identify deficiencies in compliance with standards set forth in CMR 900.00 through 999.00, while the Sheriffs are tasked with implementing and monitoring these standards to ensure safety and security for both staff and inmates. This amendment aims to enhance accountability and oversight within the correctional system.

Additionally, the bill introduces a structured audit process categorized into Compliance, Non-compliance, Non-applicable, and Not assessed, with each category audited on a rotating annual basis. The process includes an initial audit followed by a follow-up audit six months later to assess corrective actions taken for any identified deficiencies. Sheriffs or facility administrators are required to respond in writing to the audit report within 60 days, outlining their action plans and target completion dates for addressing any non-compliance issues. This systematic approach is designed to improve the operational standards of correctional facilities and ensure ongoing compliance with established guidelines.