Bill > H4028

This bill proposes to establish a special commission to study the potential transfer of the Department of Correction (DOC) and Parole Board from the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security to the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. The commission, composed of 3 senators, 3 representatives, various state officials, and 7 gubernatorial appointees representing diverse perspectives including prisoners' rights, correctional officers, mental health advocacy, and criminal justice reform, will investigate the historical governance of these agencies, legal implications of the transfer, potential impacts on services and rehabilitation, fiscal considerations, and practices in other states. The commission is mandated to hold at least 4 public hearings across different regions of Massachusetts and will produce a comprehensive report with legislative recommendations by December 31, 2026. The bill's rationale stems from historical context, noting that prior to 1991, the DOC operated under Health and Human Services with a stronger focus on rehabilitation, and current concerns about inadequate treatment, high labor costs, and limited programming for incarcerated individuals suggest a potential need for organizational change.

Government Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4028