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HD 747

An Act relative to the security of exercise equipment and free weights in correctional institutions

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donnie Berthiaume and 4 co-sponsors

HD 747 requires securing inmate-accessible gym equipment and bans free weights in medium- or maximum-security facilities, boosting safety and cutting risk of contraband.

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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 747

Summary: House Bill HD 747 — An Act relative to the security of exercise equipment and free weights in correctional institutions (Matt’s Law)

Overview

HD 747, commonly referred to as “Matt’s Law,” aims to tighten security around exercise equipment in Massachusetts correctional facilities. The bill proposes a focused amendment to existing General Laws to ensure that exercise gear accessible to inmates is secured and that inmates in medium- or maximum-security institutions do not have access to free weights.

Key Provisions

  • Amend Section 14 of Chapter 125 of the General Laws (2018 Official Edition) by adding at the end:
    • The superintendent shall be responsible for ensuring that any and all exercise equipment accessible by inmates is secured in order to prevent its removal.
    • No inmate in a medium-security or maximum-security correctional institution shall have access to any free weights.
  • The change codifies security responsibilities and access restrictions related to gym equipment within correctional facilities.

Affected Parties and Scope

  • Affected Entities: Massachusetts correctional institutions, specifically medium-security and maximum-security facilities, and any exercise equipment or free weights housed within inmate-accessible areas.
  • Primary Beneficiary: Enhanced on-site security and safety for both staff and inmates by reducing the potential for equipment removal or misuse.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025, and filed as House Docket No. 747.
  • Sponsorship: Presented by Representatives Steven G. Xiarhos and Richard G. Wells, Jr., with a broad group of co-sponsors from multiple districts.
  • Status: The document provided does not include a final status (e.g., enacted, vetoed, or current committee actions). As with many proposed bills, passage would require approval by both House and Senate and signature by the Governor to become law.
  • Legislative path: If advanced, the bill would move through the relevant committee (Public Safety and Homeland Security) and then to the full chamber for a vote, followed by passage in the other chamber and potential reconciliation.

Potential Impact and Implications

  • Security Impact: Clearer accountability for securing exercise equipment and eliminating access to free weights in higher-security facilities, potentially reducing risks associated with contraband, improvised weapons, or security breaches.
  • Operational Considerations: Facilities may need to implement or tighten storage, locking mechanisms, inventory controls, and staff training to comply with the new requirements.
  • Budgetary/Resource Effects: Possible costs related to securing equipment, upgrading storage solutions, and staff time for compliance and audits.

This summary highlights the main objective, provisions, and likely effects of HD 747 based on the bill text and introductory context.

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

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