The bill outlines new requirements for the Massachusetts Department of Correction regarding the collection and reporting of quarterly corrections data. It introduces specific categories for counting admissions and releases, including "Pre-Trial/Detainees" and "Criminally Sentenced," which encompass various subgroups such as individuals awaiting trial, those held on bail, and new court commitments. Additionally, the bill mandates a "Caseload Snapshot" that details the classification levels of incarcerated individuals, including those under community supervision and pre-arraignment detainees. The bill also emphasizes the importance of separating holds for other jurisdictions and pre-arraignment individuals when reporting data.
Furthermore, the bill addresses recidivism rates by defining "New Commitments" and "Violations" for both males and females, providing a clearer understanding of the rates of re-offending among those released from correctional facilities. The new legal language inserted into the current law aims to enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the data collected, which is crucial for evaluating the effectiveness of correctional programs and policies. Overall, the bill seeks to improve transparency and accountability within the Massachusetts correctional system.