DYS Annual Report 2025

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Requires DYS to annually report to the Legislature on treatment of persons held as sexually dangerous, using non-identifying descriptions to protect privacy.

Placed on file

Overview

SD 3329 is a proposed Massachusetts bill titled “DYS Annual Report 2025.” The bill centers on the Department of Youth Services (DYS) reporting requirements to the Legislature regarding treatment provided to individuals committed to DYS custody as sexually dangerous persons (SDPs). The accompanying material indicates a focus on annual, non-identifying descriptions of treatment, in line with existing statutory requirements.

Main purpose and intent

Ensure annual transparency: The bill codifies or reiterates the obligation for DYS to inform the Legislature about the treatment offered to each person committed as a sexually dangerous person.

Protect privacy: Descriptions of treatment must be provided without disclosing the identity of any individuals.

Oversight and accountability: By mandating an annual report, the bill aims to enhance legislative oversight of SDP treatment within DYS.

Key provisions (as reflected in the version content)

Annual reporting requirement: DYS must report to the Legislature each year on the treatment offered to persons committed to its custody as sexually dangerous persons.

Non-identifying descriptions: The report must describe the treatment provided to these individuals without disclosing their identities.

Reference to statutory authority: The requirement aligns with, and is anchored in, M.G.L. c. 123A, §16 (the statutory basis for DYS’s SDP reporting obligations).

Who/what would be affected

Department of Youth Services (DYS): Responsible for compiling and submitting the annual SDP treatment report.

Massachusetts Legislature: Receives and reviews the annual SDP treatment report.

Individuals (SDPs) in DYS custody: While the bill would require reporting on their treatment, the descriptions would be non-identifying.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative action: Introduced and placed on file on October 30, 2025.

Current status: Placed on file, indicating the bill has not progressed to a vote or further committee action at this time.

Timeline implication: If enacted, DYS would need to prepare and submit annual SDP treatment reports to the Legislature each year, consistent with the statutory framework.

Notable context from the version content

The accompanying DYS letter (November 1, 2025) states that, for the reporting period, there were no individuals committed to DYS custody as sexually dangerous persons. This result informs the current year’s report but does not alter the statutory requirement to report in future years, should SDP commitments occur.

Bottom-line

SD 3329 seeks to affirm or implement an annual, non-identifying reporting requirement by DYS to the Legislature regarding treatment of sexually dangerous persons, grounded in existing law (M.G.L. c. 123A, §16). With the bill currently on file, there is no immediate action beyond potential future consideration by the Legislature.

Bill