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H 3313

An Act transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mike Connolly and 8 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill transfers Bridgewater State Hospital from corrections to mental health authority, shifting facility governance from security-focused to treatment-focused operations.

Accompanied H3291
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Bill Summary · H 3313

Legislative bill overview

H 3313 proposes transferring Bridgewater State Hospital from the Massachusetts Department of Corrections to the Department of Mental Health. This represents a significant reorganization of a facility that currently operates under correctional authority despite primarily serving individuals with serious mental illness.

Why is this important

Bridgewater State Hospital holds approximately 200-300 individuals in a secure setting, many of whom are pretrial detainees or individuals found incompetent to stand trial. Moving it from corrections to mental health oversight could reshape how the facility operates, affects treatment approaches, and influences the criminal justice-mental health intersection in Massachusetts. This change reflects growing debate about whether such facilities belong in correctional or healthcare systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Treatment philosophy differences: Corrections focuses on security and custody; mental health prioritizes therapeutic treatment. The transfer raises questions about resource allocation and operational standards.
  • Custody and security concerns: Corrections officials may argue that certain individuals require security-focused environments, while mental health advocates contend appropriate treatment reduces security risks.
  • Funding and implementation costs: Transferring a facility involves significant administrative, staffing, and infrastructure changes with unclear budget implications not yet detailed in available materials.
  • Treatment of incompetent defendants: The bill doesn't clarify how individuals found incompetent to stand trial will be managed under mental health jurisdiction versus correctional oversight.

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

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