An Act establishing a jail and prison construction moratorium
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill proposes a moratorium on the construction of new jails and prisons in Massachusetts. It aims to pause any planned projects until a comprehensive review of the state’s correctional system is completed. The legislation seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of existing facilities and explore alternative approaches to addressing criminal justice needs. Supporters argue this pause will allow for a more strategic and fiscally responsible approach to incarceration.
Key provisions
- Suspends all planned jail and prison construction projects.
- Requires a comprehensive review of the Massachusetts correctional system.
- Directs the Department of Correction to assess the utilization and effectiveness of existing facilities.
- Encourages exploration of alternative approaches to criminal justice, such as rehabilitation programs.
- Establishes a timeline for the completion of the review and the implementation of recommendations.
Who is affected
- Massachusetts Department of Correction
- Local law enforcement agencies
- Correctional facility staff
- Taxpayers
- Individuals incarcerated in Massachusetts
Notable changes
- This bill introduces a temporary halt to new jail and prison construction.
- It shifts the focus to evaluating the current system's performance and exploring alternatives.
Bill text
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
16 on record
Primary sponsor
Joanne M. Comerford
Cosponsors
Danillo A. Sena
James B. Eldridge
Joanne M. Comerford
Arguments
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