Bill > H1757

This bill restores and modifies the furlough program for incarcerated persons in Massachusetts by updating several sections of Chapter 127 of the General Laws. The bill allows the commissioner of corrections to extend an incarcerated person's confinement limits by authorizing them to be away from the correctional facility for up to 14 days in a 12-month period, with each absence not exceeding 7 days. Furloughs can be granted for specific purposes such as attending a relative's funeral, visiting a critically ill family member, obtaining medical or social services, contacting potential employers, securing housing for release, or other reasons supporting community reintegration. The bill clarifies that "relative" includes immediate family and those who acted as parental figures. It also specifies that individuals serving life sentences or convicted of certain serious crimes may be eligible for furloughs with superintendent recommendation and commissioner approval. Additionally, the bill allows for the establishment of work camps where prisoners can be employed in activities like reforestation, with provisions for transferring prisoners between correctional facilities and camps. The legislation aims to provide more flexibility in managing incarcerated individuals and supporting their potential rehabilitation and successful reentry into society.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1757