Bill > S1660

This bill seeks to enhance the rights, safety, and treatment of LGBTQI+ individuals in correctional facilities across Massachusetts by introducing several key protections and provisions. The legislation mandates that each correctional facility designate an LGBTQI+ coordinator responsible for ensuring housing compatibility, coordinating educational and employment opportunities, supporting LGBTQI+ groups, and maintaining relevant library resources. The bill guarantees free access to HIV prevention and management medications, with confidentiality protections, and requires facilities to provide a 30-day medication supply upon release. Inmates will have the opportunity to voluntarily disclose their sexual orientation and gender identity during intake, with strict limitations on information sharing. The bill prohibits placing LGBTQI+ individuals in restrictive housing solely based on their identity and prevents disciplinary actions for consensual sexual activities or non-sexual displays of affection. Additionally, the legislation requires public reporting of anonymized data related to sexual violence investigations and ensures LGBTQI+ inmates can form support groups, access themed literature, watch relevant movies, and celebrate Pride month. Critically, the bill emphasizes that an inmate's LGBTQI+ status cannot be grounds for segregation or punitive treatment, aiming to protect their dignity, safety, and right to equal treatment within the correctional system.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1660