Bill > S1739

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for sheriff's departments in Massachusetts, primarily focusing on civil process operations and administrative oversight. It creates a new corrections advisory board composed of 19 members, including state officials and appointees with diverse expertise in areas like workforce development, rehabilitation, mental health, and accounting, who will provide independent advice to corrections providers. The bill standardizes civil process procedures by mandating that each sheriff establish a dedicated civil process office with deputies who must complete a specialized certification program and are subject to strict regulations regarding compensation, service of process, and reporting. The legislation also requires detailed financial reporting, ensures that all fees and revenues from civil process services are considered state revenue, and provides specific protocols for handling these funds. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for protecting deputy sheriffs injured in the line of duty and mandates that the human resources division conduct a comprehensive assessment to develop statewide standards for sheriff's office employment practices by 2027. The overarching goals appear to be improving coordination, transparency, and professionalism within sheriff's departments across Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1739