Bill > S1639

This bill aims to protect inmate safety and state expenditures by restricting the transportation of inmates or prisoners outside of Massachusetts by sheriffs. Specifically, the bill prohibits transporting inmates outside the state for labor or community service purposes, with an exception only in the case of a genuine public health or safety emergency. If such an emergency exists, the sheriff must submit a detailed report to several key government officials, including the secretaries of administration and finance and public safety, as well as legislative committee chairs. The report must include information about the purpose of transportation, mode of transport, estimated duration, housing and security arrangements, and total cost. Moreover, the sheriff must obtain written approval from the secretaries of administration and finance and public safety before initiating the transport. This bill appears designed to provide greater oversight and transparency regarding out-of-state inmate transportation and to prevent potential misuse of inmate labor or unnecessary spending of state resources.

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https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1639