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HD 4773

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 Barnstable Correctional Facility for the fourth quarter of calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association reports Q4 2024 population statistics for Barnstable Correctional Facility as required by state law.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 4773

Legislative bill overview

This bill is a routine administrative communication from the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association submitting population data for the Barnstable Correctional Facility for Q4 2024. It fulfills a statutory reporting requirement under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 126, Section 40, which mandates sheriffs provide aggregate population statistics to the legislature.

Why is this important

Population data from correctional facilities helps lawmakers monitor facility capacity, assess overcrowding conditions, and inform decisions about criminal justice policy, funding, and resource allocation. Regular reporting creates transparency in the correctional system and provides baseline data for evaluating facility operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Data interpretation: Aggregate data alone doesn't reveal underlying causes of population changes or conditions within the facility
  • Limited scope: This is raw reporting; the bill itself doesn't propose any policy responses to population trends, so it may obscure whether facilities are adequately resourced
  • Timeliness: Q4 2024 data submitted in mid-2025 represents a 6+ month reporting lag, potentially limiting its usefulness for immediate policy decisions

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

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