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HD 2308

An Act relative to role-playing games in correctional facilities

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

Prohibits correctional facilities from banning inmates from role-playing games during leisure time; allows written policies to implement safe, supervised RPG programs.

Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
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Bill Summary · HD 2308

Summary: An Act relative to role-playing games in correctional facilities (HD 2308)

Overview

HD 2308 would add a new provision to Chapter 127 of the General Laws (Section 172) to ensure that inmates in correctional facilities are not barred from participating in role-playing games (RPGs), including games like Dungeons & Dragons, during regularly allotted leisure or recreation time. The bill allows facilities to establish written policies to implement this participation.

What the bill would do

  • Prohibit prohibition of RPG participation: The act states that, notwithstanding any general or special law or regulation, a correctional facility shall not prohibit an inmate from playing or participating in RPGs during any regularly allotted leisure or recreation period.
  • Provide for implementation via policy: Facilities may adopt written policies to implement the new section, outlining how RPG activities would be conducted and supervised within the facility.

Key provisions

  • Section 172(a): Guarantees an inmate’s right to participate in RPGs during designated leisure or recreation time, effectively superseding conflicting laws or regulations.
  • Section 172(b): Allows correctional facilities to adopt written policies to implement the provisions of Section 172, addressing details such as scheduling, supervision, materials, safety, and discipline as needed.
  • Effective date: The act would take effect 90 days after passage.

Who would be affected

  • Inmates: Access to RPG activities during leisure/recreation time would be protected.
  • Correctional facilities and staff: Administration would need to establish policies and oversight to accommodate RPG activities, including safety and supervision protocols.
  • Policy makers and administrators: Responsible for implementing and enforcing the new requirements and any accompanying procedures.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: May 12, 2025
  • Referred to: Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security (House action)
  • Filed: January 16, 2025 (House, No. 4124)
  • Next steps: If advanced, the committee could draft further amendments or move the bill toward a floor vote.

Potential implications and considerations

  • Recreation and rehabilitation: By enabling RPGs, the bill could broaden recreational programming, potentially supporting cognitive engagement, social interaction, and stress relief for inmates.
  • Policy development: Implementation would require clear written policies addressing supervision, safety, contraband control, and disciplinary rules related to RPG activities.
  • Operational impacts: Facilities would need to allocate resources (time, space, materials, and staff training) to support RPG programs while maintaining security.

Overall, HD 2308 seeks to remove barriers to RPG participation in Massachusetts correctional facilities and empower facilities to implement appropriate policies to integrate these activities into inmate recreation programs.

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

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