Bill > S2114

This bill establishes a comprehensive moratorium on jail and prison construction in Massachusetts, effectively preventing state and public agencies from expanding, constructing, or significantly modifying correctional facilities. Specifically, the bill prohibits agencies from studying, planning, designing, acquiring, or constructing new detention centers; expanding the capacity of existing facilities; converting dormant facilities for detention purposes; or renovating facilities beyond routine maintenance and specific improvements. The permitted improvements are limited to ensuring legal compliance, installing basic fixtures, improving health and food services, upgrading heating and cooling systems, removing restrictive housing units, and enhancing programming spaces, with the critical caveat that these improvements cannot increase bed capacity. The bill also includes a narrow exception allowing county sheriffs to transfer up to 30 beds from a closed county jail to an existing correctional facility within the same county. The legislation includes provisions for repealing certain sections of the bill after 5 years, suggesting it is intended as a temporary measure to address concerns about incarceration infrastructure and potentially encourage alternative approaches to criminal justice and detention.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2114