S 1479 Massachusetts Senate · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act protecting inmate safety and the expenditure of state funds

This bill prohibits Massachusetts sheriffs from transporting inmates out of state for labor or community service programs unless a genuine public health or safety emergency occurs. Under the new rules, sheriffs must submit detailed plans regarding transportation, security, and costs to state officials for written approval before any such transport can happen. The legislation directly affects local sheriffs and state agencies responsible for inmate management and budget oversight. By requiring strict justification and official consent, the law aims to prevent unauthorized use of state funds for off-site inmate work.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
House Passage
Apr 2024
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action May 13, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the House. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
8
Key actions
3
Committee
1
Apr 25, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Apr 4, 2024
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Lower · Passed
House concurred
lower
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Mike Barrett
Mike Barrett
DDemocratic
MA
Third Middlesex