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HD 4774

A communication from the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association (see Section 40 of Chapter 126 of the General Laws) submitting the aggregate data on the population of the Berkshire County Correctional Facility for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association submits Berkshire County jail population statistics for late 2024 to fulfill state reporting requirements.

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Bill Summary · HD 4774

Legislative bill overview

This bill transmits aggregate population data for the Berkshire County Correctional Facility for Q4 2024 from the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association to the state legislature. It fulfills a statutory reporting requirement under Section 40 of Chapter 126 of the General Laws, which mandates regular submission of correctional facility population statistics.

Why is this important

Correctional facility population data is essential for legislative oversight, budget planning, and understanding trends in county jail operations. This data helps inform decisions about facility capacity, staffing needs, and potential policy changes affecting the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Data transparency gaps – The bill only transmits "aggregate" data, which may obscure important breakdowns by demographics, offense type, or length of stay that could reveal systemic issues
  • Timeliness concerns – Q4 2024 data is being reported in mid-2025, creating significant lag time that limits responsiveness to emerging problems
  • Limited accountability mechanism – Submission of data alone doesn't mandate legislative action or analysis; the bill may represent routine compliance without substantive oversight

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

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