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

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Paul McMurtry and 1 co-sponsor

The bill requires superintendents to securely store all inmate-accessible exercise equipment and prohibit any free weights for inmates in medium- or maximum-security facilities.

House concurred

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to enhance security within Massachusetts correctional facilities by tightening how exercise equipment is managed and by restricting access to free weights for inmates in higher-security settings.

Specifically, it adds a clear duty for facility leadership to secure exercise equipment and to prohibit free weights for inmates in medium- or maximum-security institutions.

Key provisions

Amendment to Chapter 125, Section 14 of the General Laws (as appearing in the 2018 Official Edition):

The end of Section 14 is amended to include: “The superintendent shall be responsible for ensuring that any and all exercise equipment accessible by inmates is secured in order to prevent its removal and that no inmate in a medium-security or maximum-security correctional institution has access to any free weights.”

Practical effect:

Security obligation placed directly on the superintendent of correctional facilities.
Explicit prohibition on inmate access to free weights in medium- and maximum-security institutions.
The bill does not specify detailed procedures or funding in this text; it creates the policy mandate and accountability at the facility leadership level.

Who is affected

Inmates housed in medium- and maximum-security correctional institutions (who would be restricted from accessing free weights).

Correctional facility administrators and superintendents, who are charged with securing equipment and enforcing the prohibition.

Correctional security and maintenance staff responsible for implementing and maintaining equipment security measures.

Legislative history and status

Introduced: February 27, 2025.

Filed as Senate Docket No. 624; counterpart/proposal appeared in the prior session (House No. 2422, 2023-2024).

Legislative actions:

February 27, 2025: Referred to the Senate Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.
February 27, 2025: House concurred (indicating agreement with the Senate’s version).

Current status: House concurred; typically, the next steps would involve signature by the Governor to become law (subject to standard gubernatorial approval and any additional legislative action).

Potential impact and considerations

Public safety: Aims to reduce risks associated with unsecured exercise equipment and the presence of free weights in higher-security facilities, potentially reducing opportunities for weaponizable items or escalated inmate conflict.

Operational changes: May require facilities to implement securing mechanisms (locks, cabinets, anchor points) and revise equipment inventory and oversight procedures.

Financial considerations: The bill text does not specify funding; implementing agencies may need to allocate resources for securing equipment and training staff.

This bill represents a targeted governance change focused on inmate safety and facility security through tighter control of exercise equipment and free-weight access in higher-security correctional settings.

Bill