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Bill

HD 4352

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 Hampden County Correctional Facility for the third quarter of calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association files aggregate population data for Hampden County jail in Q3 2024, fulfilling statutory reporting requirements.

Placed on file
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Bill Summary · HD 4352

Legislative bill overview

This bill is a procedural filing by the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association submitting aggregate population data for the Hampden County Correctional Facility during the third quarter of 2024. The submission fulfills a statutory reporting requirement under Section 40 of Chapter 126 of the General Laws, which mandates regular population reporting from county correctional facilities.

Why is this important

Correctional facility population data is essential for public accountability, budget planning, and understanding incarceration trends. Regular reporting allows legislators, administrators, and the public to track facility utilization, identify capacity issues, and assess the effectiveness of criminal justice policies. This data informs decisions about staffing, infrastructure, and resource allocation within the state's correctional system.

Potential points of contention

  • Limited transparency: The bill itself does not appear to require public disclosure of the actual population figures, raising questions about accessibility of the data to the general public
  • Frequency of reporting: Quarterly reporting may be insufficient for real-time monitoring of facility conditions or overcrowding issues
  • Data completeness: The bill appears to be a filing mechanism rather than substantive legislation, potentially leaving unanswered questions about data standardization, demographic breakdowns, and comparative analysis across facilities

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

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