An Act relative to sheriffs

This bill creates a new Corrections Advisory Board to provide independent guidance to sheriffs and other correctional agencies on improving operations, coordination, and inmate care. The board will consist of various state officials, appointed experts in areas like mental health and labor, and representatives from the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association, who will meet quarterly to develop best practices and submit annual reports. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that sheriffs must establish a dedicated civil process office to handle arrests, evictions, and property seizures, while also adjusting meal cost rules for sheriff employees to align with collective bargaining agreements. These changes aim to streamline corrections management and define the specific duties of deputies working in civil enforcement roles.