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HD 5321

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 Hampshire County Correctional Facility for the second quarter of calendar year 2025

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association must report Hampshire County Correctional Facility population data for Q2 2025 to fulfill statutory reporting requirements.

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Bill Summary · HD 5321

Legislative bill overview

This bill is a procedural filing requiring the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association to submit aggregate population data for the Hampshire County Correctional Facility covering the second quarter of 2025 (April-June). The submission fulfills a statutory reporting requirement under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 126, Section 40, and involves no new legislation or policy changes.

Why is this important

Correctional facility population data informs public policy decisions about criminal justice spending, facility management, and incarceration trends. Regular reporting allows lawmakers, agencies, and the public to monitor jail operations and assess whether facilities are operating within designed capacity and resources. This transparency supports evidence-based policymaking in criminal justice and corrections.

Potential points of contention

  • Data interpretation transparency: Without context on population trends or comparisons to previous quarters, raw aggregate numbers may be misused to support predetermined policy positions on either side of criminal justice debates.
  • Limited scope: A single quarter's data from one facility provides minimal insight; analyzing meaningful trends requires multi-year, multi-facility comparisons that this bill alone cannot provide.
  • Resource allocation questions: Population figures may spark debates about whether detention capacity aligns with actual needs, potentially triggering discussions about facility expansion, closure, or reallocation of sheriff department budgets.

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

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