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HD 4775

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

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts sheriffs submit Q4 2024 aggregate population data for Bristol County jail as required by state law.

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Bill Summary · HD 4775

Legislative bill overview

House Document 4775 is a data submission from the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association reporting aggregate population statistics for the Bristol County Correctional Facility during the fourth quarter of 2024 (October-December). This is a routine administrative filing required under Section 40 of Chapter 126 of the General Laws, which mandates regular reporting of jail population data to the legislature.

Why is this important

Population data from county correctional facilities informs legislative decision-making on criminal justice policy, facility funding, and capacity planning. These reports help track trends in incarceration rates and detention practices, which can influence broader conversations about bail reform, sentencing, and correctional system oversight. Public access to this data supports transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

  • Data interpretation gaps: The bill provides raw population numbers without context about sentencing lengths, demographic breakdowns, or reasons for detention, limiting deeper analysis of facility operations
  • Frequency and timeliness: Quarterly reporting may not capture rapid fluctuations in population, and the filing date (June 2025 for Q4 2024 data) creates a six-month lag that limits real-time policy responsiveness
  • Limited oversight mechanism: The document appears to be informational only, with no accompanying analysis or recommendations for addressing overcrowding or operational issues identified by the data

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

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