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. This includes identifiers such as probation central file numbers, state identification numbers, race and ethnicity, and offense-based tracking numbers, while ensuring that reports do not contain identifying information about individual inmates. Additionally, the bill clarifies definitions of critical identifiers and notes that certain data points, like case disposition and bail amounts, are managed by the Trial Court rather than the Sheriffs' Offices.

Furthermore, the bill proposes amendments to existing laws regarding the handling of pre-trial and sentenced individuals in Barnstable, emphasizing the categorization of individuals based on race, ethnicity, and legal status. It aims to improve transparency and accountability in the judicial process by providing a comprehensive overview of demographics and outcomes of cases. The bill also highlights the importance of maintaining accurate records of admissions and releases, including the length of time individuals spend in custody, to promote fair treatment and address disparities within the legal system. Overall, the proposed changes reflect a commitment to modernizing the legal framework governing the treatment of individuals in the criminal justice system in Barnstable.