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HD 4335

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 second quarter of calendar year 2024

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association submits Q2 2024 Bristol County jail population data as required by state law for capacity and budget planning purposes.

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Bill Summary · HD 4335

Legislative bill overview

HD 4335 is a data submission document from the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association reporting aggregate population statistics for the Bristol County Correctional Facility for Q2 2024. This is a routine administrative filing required under Section 40 of Chapter 126 of Massachusetts General Law, which mandates sheriffs to submit periodic census data on county jail populations.

Why is this important

Correctional facility population data is essential for resource planning, budget allocation, and accountability in the criminal justice system. These quarterly reports help state legislators and administrators track facility capacity, identify overcrowding issues, and assess the effectiveness of detention policies. The data also informs decisions about staffing, programming, and infrastructure needs.

Potential points of contention

  • Data transparency gaps: The bill summary doesn't specify what specific metrics are included (housing by custody level, length of stay, demographic breakdowns), limiting public understanding of facility operations
  • Lag in reporting: Q2 2024 data submitted in early 2025 means information is already 6+ months old, potentially obscuring current conditions or trends
  • Limited actionability: Filing data without analysis or context may not drive policy changes; the bill lacks accountability mechanisms or performance standards tied to the reported numbers

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

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