Bill > S1726

This bill establishes mandatory incarcerated persons councils in all state prisons, state correctional facilities, and county correctional facilities in Massachusetts. These councils will be composed of 5-15 elected incarcerated members who serve one-year terms and are chosen through an annual election by their fellow inmates. To be eligible, council members must have been incarcerated in the facility for at least six months, have no recent violent misconduct or disciplinary violations, and cannot be serving sentences for institutional violence or escape. The councils will serve multiple critical functions, including acting as a liaison between inmates and facility administration, providing a forum for expressing concerns and suggestions, promoting conflict resolution, advocating for educational and rehabilitative programs, assisting in maintaining facility safety and order, and reviewing facility policies. The councils are required to meet monthly, provide quarterly written reports to administration, and be guaranteed protection from retaliation. Facilities must provide administrative support and resources for the councils, and the state Department of Correction will develop regulations, oversee their implementation, and conduct biennial reviews to assess their effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1726