Bill > H3609

This bill aims to restore the furlough program for incarcerated persons. The key provisions include: 1. Allowing the commissioner to authorize incarcerated individuals to be away from correctional facilities within the Commonwealth for up to 14 days per 12-month period or 7 days at a time, for specific purposes such as attending a relative's funeral, visiting a critically ill relative, obtaining medical or social services, contacting prospective employers, or securing suitable post-release housing. 2. Authorizing the commissioner to establish work camps on state-controlled land, where eligible incarcerated individuals can be employed in activities like reforestation and forest maintenance, as long as they have shown good conduct and would benefit from less rigorous discipline. 3. Allowing the commissioner to transfer sentenced prisoners between correctional institutions, including from prisons to jails or houses of correction, with the approval of the county sheriff, except for those serving life sentences who have not completed at least 8 years of their sentence. The bill aims to provide more opportunities for incarcerated individuals to reintegrate into the community and access necessary services, while maintaining appropriate security measures.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H3609