Bill > S1651

This bill aims to significantly improve the conditions, rehabilitation, and human rights of incarcerated individuals in Massachusetts by establishing comprehensive standards for programming, education, and treatment in state prisons and county correctional facilities. The legislation mandates that incarcerated people have at least six hours of out-of-cell congregate programming five days per week, with opportunities to earn good conduct deductions, and requires facilities to maximize educational, vocational, and rehabilitation programming. The bill ensures that each incarcerated person receives a personalized programming plan developed collaboratively, with input from various staff and the individual themselves, and requires facilities to provide at least eight hours of out-of-cell time daily, except during major disorders. Additionally, the legislation guarantees access to outdoor recreation, dignified treatment without discrimination, quality medical and mental health care, visitation rights, and essential amenities like clean water and comfortable temperatures. The bill also requires the Commissioner to collect and publish annual data on incarceration, programming, and participation, broken down by demographic characteristics, and mandates specialized educational programming for emerging adults (ages 18-25). Notably, the bill emphasizes rehabilitation, re-entry preparation, and treating incarcerated individuals with respect and dignity, with the goal of increasing successful community reintegration.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1651