By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1117) of Cindy F. Friedman, Michael J. Barrett, Russell E. Holmes, John F. Keenan and others for legislation relative to treatment, not incarceration. The Judiciary.
By Representative Tyler of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3422) of Chynah Tyler and others relative to establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium. State Administration and Regulatory Oversight.
By Representative Cabral of New Bedford, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1597) of Antonio F. D. Cabral relative to the use of prison labor outside of the Commonwealth. The Judiciary.
HD 2257 requires the Commissioner of Mental Health to oversee mental health services for prisoners in state correctional facilities. It directly affects inmates receiving mental health care, the Department of Correction, and mental health service providers working in prisons. Key provisions include the Commissioner reviewing and approving all contracts for these services, setting minimum service standards, and conducting biannual facility audits to ensure compliance. The bill also mandates that mental health professionals in correctional settings operate under the Department of Mental Health's supervision.
This bill repeals "pay-to-stay" fees for incarcerated individuals and juvenile offenders. It prohibits prison officials from deducting earnings for room, board, or living expenses from inmates' pay, and bans courts from ordering parents or guardians to pay for juvenile care from a child's property. The law applies retroactively to all deductions or payment orders made since January 2020, requiring refunds for affected individuals. It also mandates that the Commonwealth cover all costs of incarceration without passing them to inmates or their families.
HD 1910 requires all Massachusetts state and county correctional facilities to appoint an LGBTQI+ coordinator. These coordinators must ensure safe housing, coordinate programs and health resources (including HIV-related materials), and support LGBTQI+ groups. The bill mandates that incarcerated people can voluntarily share their sexual orientation or gender identity at intake or anytime, and prohibits housing them with individuals expressing anti-LGBTQI+ sentiments. Facilities must publicly report anonymized data on safety incidents and LGBTQI+ needs annually, including compliance with federal prison rape prevention standards. This directly affects incarcerated LGBTQI+ individuals by establishing new protections and accountability measures within correctional facilities.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1639) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to protect inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Mr. O'Connor, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1894) of Patrick M. O'Connor for legislation to provide disability compensation for qualified correctional officers. Public Service.
By Mr. Barrett, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1639) of Michael J. Barrett for legislation to protect inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
By Representative Soter of Bellingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2702) of Michael J. Soter and others for legislation to protect correctional officers. Public Safety and Homeland Security.
