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HD 4685

A communication from the Department of Correction (see Section 119A(i) of Chapter 127 of the General Laws) submitting its annual report on medical parole for fiscal year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Department of Correction submits its fiscal 2024 medical parole annual report documenting incarcerated individuals evaluated and released under the program.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 4685

Legislative bill overview

HD 4685 is a procedural filing that transmits the Massachusetts Department of Correction's mandatory annual report on medical parole activities for fiscal year 2024. This report documents how many incarcerated individuals were evaluated, approved, and released under the state's medical parole program during that period.

Why is this important

Medical parole allows seriously ill or terminally ill prisoners to be released to spend their final months with family or in hospice care. The annual report provides transparency about this program's scope, usage rates, and outcomes—information relevant to criminal justice policy, compassionate release practices, and budget allocation within the corrections system.

Potential points of contention

  • Transparency and data access: Advocates may want detailed breakdowns on approval/denial rates, demographics, and recidivism data that may not be included in standard reports
  • Program adequacy: Questions about whether current medical parole criteria are appropriately stringent or overly restrictive, affecting eligible individuals who die in custody
  • Public safety concerns: Opposition groups may scrutinize whether released individuals pose public safety risks, particularly in high-profile cases

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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