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Bill

H 3349

An Act to return DOC and Parole to Health and Human Services

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Russell Holmes

Transfer Massachusetts DOC and Parole Board to Health and Human Services to realign corrections with health and social service frameworks rather than punitive operations.

Accompanied a study order, see H5183
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Bill Summary · H 3349

Legislative bill overview

H.3349 proposes transferring the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC) and the Parole Board from their current administrative structure to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This represents a significant reorganization of how the state manages incarceration and parole supervision, moving these functions under a health and human services framework rather than their current structure.

Why is this important

This reorganization could fundamentally reshape how Massachusetts approaches incarceration and reentry by framing correctional and parole operations through a public health and social services lens rather than a strictly punitive one. The change would affect approximately 5,000+ employees, 8,000+ incarcerated individuals, and tens of thousands under parole supervision, potentially influencing rehabilitation programming, healthcare delivery, and reentry support systems statewide.

Potential points of contention

  • Operational feasibility: Whether HHS has the specialized expertise and infrastructure to manage correctional security, custody operations, and institutional management alongside healthcare and social services without compromising either function
  • Accountability and oversight: Questions about whether moving corrections into a health agency could complicate oversight mechanisms, union relationships, and existing statutory authorities governing corrections
  • Resource allocation: Concerns that integrating these agencies could either dilute funding for corrections, healthcare, or social services, or require substantial new appropriations that may not materialize
  • Implementation costs: Unknown transition expenses, system integration challenges, and potential service disruptions during a multi-year restructuring process

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

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