The bill provides a detailed analysis of recidivism rates among incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts who participated in various risk reduction programs from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021. It highlights the effectiveness of these programs, showing that completion correlates with lower recidivism rates, particularly noting that women who completed at least 26 weeks in the Pathway program had a recidivism rate of 3.9%, while men in the Correctional Recovery Academy (CRA) had a rate of 7.1%. The report introduces new definitions related to the programs and recidivism, emphasizing the need for targeted programming based on individual assessments to enhance successful reintegration and reduce reoffending.

Additionally, the bill establishes new programming initiatives for both women and men within the Massachusetts Department of Correction (MA DOC), including eligibility criteria for Pathway Programming and General Population Services (GPS) Programming. It underscores the importance of addressing vocational, academic, and substance use needs to lower recidivism rates, with data indicating that individuals who meet these needs through program completion experience significantly better outcomes. The bill also introduces a new provision categorizing recidivism rates by age, specifically for individuals aged 35 or older, to better understand trends and inform targeted interventions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance rehabilitation efforts and reduce recidivism through comprehensive programming tailored to the specific needs of incarcerated individuals.