An Act relative to media access and transparency in correctional facilities

This bill expands media access within Massachusetts correctional facilities by granting journalists the same visitation and communication rights as attorneys. It allows news media representatives to meet incarcerated individuals in person or via video without restrictions based on housing placement or disciplinary status, while also ensuring unmonitored and confidential telephone calls. The legislation requires prisons and jails to register media credentials online, publish this information for inmates, and permit attorneys to bring reporters on legal visits. Additionally, the law prohibits retaliation against inmates who communicate with the press and mandates that correction officials update their regulations to reflect these new access provisions.