Bill > H1647

This bill proposes to amend Chapter 268 of the General Laws by adding a new section that establishes a criminal penalty for prisoners or inmates in any penal or correctional facility in the commonwealth who are found in possession of a handcuff key. This applies to individuals held in custody for court appearances or those committed to such facilities by a court order. If convicted, the offender would face a punishment of one year of imprisonment in a jail or house of correction, aiming to enhance public safety by preventing inmates from possessing tools that could aid in escapes or assaults on public safety officers.