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Bill

HD 5046

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 Essex County Correctional Facility for the first quarter of calendar year 2025

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association submits Q1 2025 population data for Essex County Correctional Facility to legislature for oversight and policy planning.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 5046

Legislative bill overview

This bill requires the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association to submit aggregate population data for the Essex County Correctional Facility for Q1 2025 to the state legislature. The submission is mandated under existing law (Chapter 126, Section 40) and appears to be a routine compliance document being formally filed in the legislative record.

Why is this important

Correctional facility population data informs legislative oversight, budget planning, and policy decisions regarding incarceration, criminal justice reform, and county operations. Regular reporting creates transparency and accountability in the correctional system while helping identify trends in facility utilization and potential resource needs.

Potential points of contention

  • Data accessibility and transparency - Whether aggregate-only data provides sufficient detail for meaningful public oversight versus privacy concerns
  • Frequency and timeliness - Whether quarterly reporting is frequent enough to catch emerging issues or whether reporting lags limit responsiveness
  • Missing context - Aggregate numbers alone may obscure demographic information, length of stay, or charge categories that would provide fuller understanding of facility operations and incarceration patterns

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

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