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HD 4086

An Act to repeal pay-to-stay fees

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Chris Worrell

Massachusetts bill eliminates jail pay-to-stay fees charged to incarcerated individuals, removing debt burden at release but shifting facility costs to state/local budgets.

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Bill Summary · HD 4086

Legislative bill overview

HD 4086 seeks to eliminate "pay-to-stay" fees that incarcerated individuals must pay to county jails and houses of correction in Massachusetts. These fees, typically charged daily for housing and sometimes for services like medical care or phone access, effectively create a debt obligation for people during incarceration. The bill would remove this revenue source from local correctional facilities.

Why is this important

Pay-to-stay fees disproportionately burden low-income individuals and families already experiencing financial hardship. They can create barriers to reentry by saddling formerly incarcerated people with debt immediately upon release, potentially increasing recidivism. The fees also raise questions about whether incarceration—already a form of punishment—should generate additional financial penalties for those unable to afford them.

Potential points of contention

  • Facility funding concerns: County jails and houses of correction depend on these fees as revenue; elimination could require alternative state funding mechanisms or budget cuts to services
  • Equity vs. cost-shifting: While removal eliminates regressive charges on individuals, it shifts costs entirely to taxpayers and may increase pressure on already-strained local budgets
  • Service implications: Unclear whether eliminating fees affects access to commissary, phone calls, or other services currently funded through these charges

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

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