Bill > H1376

This bill mandates that citizens and legal residents of Massachusetts sentenced to incarceration within the Commonwealth's correctional system must serve their time in facilities located within the state's borders, aiming to facilitate visitation by family and friends which is considered crucial for rehabilitation. The bill argues that housing prisoners out-of-state denies these visitation privileges, adds undue punishment not originally sentenced, and creates excessive travel burdens for loved ones. Exceptions to this in-state housing requirement are permitted only if an inmate formally requests a transfer to another state's jurisdiction or if the Department of Corrections determines a transfer is necessary for the inmate's personal safety.