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H 4124

An Act relative to role-playing games in correctional facilities

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jack Lewis and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts inmates may play role-playing games (e.g., D&D) during recreation; facilities must adopt written policies to govern participation, supervision, and safety.

Accompanied a study order, see H5254 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 4124

Summary: H.4124 — An Act relative to role-playing games in correctional facilities

Overview

H.4124 would authorize inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities to participate in role-playing games during regularly allotted leisure or recreation time. The bill explicitly states that facilities may not prohibit such activities and may adopt written policies to implement the new policy. The intended effect is to expand inmate recreational programming to include games such as Dungeons & Dragons and other similar role-playing games.

Key Provisions

  • Section 172 added to Chapter 127 of the General Laws (new language):
    • (a) Notwithstanding any general or special law or regulation to the contrary, a correctional facility shall not prohibit an inmate from playing or participating in role-playing games (including but not limited to Dungeons & Dragons and similar games) during any regularly allotted period of leisure or recreation.
    • (b) A correctional facility may adopt written policies to implement this section.
  • Effective date: 90 days after passage.
  • The text uses the term “roll-playing” in places, but the intent is to cover role-playing games (e.g., D&D and similar games).

Who is Affected

  • Inmates in Massachusetts correctional facilities would gain the right to engage in role-playing games during designated leisure/recreation periods.
  • Correctional facility administrators and staff would implement the new policy framework through written guidelines.
  • Recreation/education/program staff responsible for inmate activities may need to adjust programming and resource allocation.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: May 12, 2025.
  • House Docket: No. 4124.
  • Referred to the Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security: May 12, 2025.
  • Senateconcurred: May 15, 2025.
  • Hearing: Scheduled for June 26, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, in hearing room A-2.
  • Effective date: 90 days after passage of the act.
  • Related legislation: HD 2308 is noted as related/replacing this measure.

Potential Implications

  • Expands recreational programming available to inmates, potentially supporting cognitive engagement, social interaction, and morale during incarceration.
  • Requires correctional facilities to develop and implement written policies to regulate how these games are conducted, including supervision, safety, security considerations, and criteria for participation.
  • May necessitate staff training and allocation of space and resources for game activities.

Note on Status

  • As of the hearing schedule (June 26, 2025) and accompanying actions, the bill is progressing through the Public Safety and Homeland Security process with a scheduled hearing and ongoing consideration by the Legislature.

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

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