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HD 472

An Act limiting the use of prison labor

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tony Cabral

Prohibits transferring inmates outside Massachusetts for labor, forcing all prison work to stay in-state and ending out-of-state labor programs.

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Bill Summary · HD 472

Summary: House Bill HD 472 — An Act limiting the use of prison labor (Massachusetts)

Overview

HD 472 proposes a new prohibition intended to restrict the use of prison labor by preventing Prison Department officials from transferring inmates outside the Commonwealth for the purpose of labor. The bill adds a new section to Chapter 125 of the General Laws.

What the bill would do

  • Add Section 22 to Chapter 125, establishing a statewide ban on transferring inmates to non-Mederalment (out-of-state or outside Massachusetts) locations for labor.
  • Specifically prohibits:
    • Administrators or superintendents of any correctional institution (including state, county, penal, and jail facilities) from transferring inmates outside Massachusetts for labor.
    • Inmates from being transferred outside Massachusetts for the purpose of engaging in labor.

Key provisions (as drafted)

  • The prohibition applies to all correctional institutions listed in the text: correctional facilities, county correctional facilities, penal institutions, state correctional facilities, state prisons, and jails within the Commonwealth.
  • The language covers both transfers initiated by administrators/superintendents and transfers initiated by inmates for labor outside the Commonwealth.
  • The text excerpt does not specify exemptions, transitional provisions, enforcement mechanisms, or penalties.

Who is affected

  • Correctional administrators and superintendents responsible for inmate placements and work assignments.
  • Inmates currently or potentially subject to out-of-state labor transfers.
  • The broader correctional system in Massachusetts, including state and local facilities that might have engaged in labor programs with outside jurisdictions.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Official filing information (per the bill text): Filed January 9, 2025 as House No. 1597, in the 194th General Court (2025-2026). The bill is described as “An Act limiting the use of prison labor.”
  • The provided materials reference a related measure from the prior session (House No. 1400 of 2023-2024), indicating a continuation of legislative interest on this topic.
  • The status field in the provided data is not populated; there is no explicit enactment timeline beyond its introduction and filing.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Would likely restrict any current or planned out-of-state prison labor arrangements, requiring inmate work to occur within Massachusetts.
  • Could affect cost structures for out-of-state partnerships or private labor arrangements and may shift logistics, supervision, and budgetary considerations within the Commonwealth.
  • Absent explicit exemptions or enforcement provisions in the excerpt, questions remain about how disputes, transitional periods, or exceptions (e.g., emergencies, special contracts) would be handled.

Context

  • The bill represents a continued policy interest in reforming or restricting prison labor practices, aligning with prior related legislative activity in the prior session.

Note: This summary is based on the bill text provided and identifies the explicit prohibitions. The status and any future amendments or exemptions would be clarified as the bill progresses through the Legislature.

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

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