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HD 4778

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 Franklin County Correctional Facility for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts sheriffs report Q4 2024 population data for Franklin County jail to fulfill statutory oversight requirements and enable legislative monitoring of facility operations.

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Bill Summary · HD 4778

Legislative bill overview

HD 4778 is a procedural communication from the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association submitting aggregate population data for the Franklin County Correctional Facility during Q4 2024. This submission fulfills a statutory reporting requirement under Chapter 126, Section 40 of Massachusetts General Law requiring sheriffs' associations to report facility population statistics to the legislature.

Why is this important

Population data from county correctional facilities informs legislative oversight of the criminal justice system, helps identify capacity issues, and provides baseline metrics for evaluating jail conditions and resource allocation. Regular reporting creates accountability and enables evidence-based policymaking regarding corrections operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Data transparency limitations: The bill provides only aggregate numbers without context on demographics, charges, or case outcomes that might reveal systemic patterns
  • No actionable requirements: The submission itself triggers no mandatory response or corrective action if data reveals overcrowding or operational concerns
  • Limited scope: Reporting only one facility for one quarter provides narrow visibility into statewide jail conditions and trends

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

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