An Act to improve transparency and accountability in correctional facilities

This Massachusetts bill aims to increase transparency and accountability within the state's correctional facilities by granting incarcerated individuals the right to communicate freely with news media representatives. It establishes that journalists, including freelancers, may visit, video conference, and call inmates without restrictions related to housing or disciplinary sanctions, ensuring these communications are confidential and unmonitored. Additionally, the legislation requires facilities to collect and publicly report detailed data on the use of force, including incidents involving specific demographics and those resulting in injuries or hospitalizations. The law also mandates that attorneys be allowed to bring a journalist to legal visits and prohibits retaliation against inmates for engaging with the press.