Advocates press for state "human rights" standards for prisons, citing out‑of‑cell time and programming deficits

Supporters of S.1651 / H.2608 — legislation described at the hearing as an "incarcerated human rights" bill — called on the Joint Committee to adopt a statutory floor of basic conditions and program access across state and county facilities.

Panelists testified that incarcerated people routinely spend long periods confined to cells with limited educational or vocational programming, inconsistent access to medical and mental-health services, and variable out‑of‑cell time. A number of witnesses and legal aid groups argued that these conditions defeat rehabilitation objectives and create a punitive environment that increases disciplinary infractions and the use of restrictive housing.

Parole attorneys, medical providers and people with direct experience inside cited examples from multiple facilities — including restricted access to showers, long delays for medical and dental care, and cuts in day‑to‑day prison jobs — that they said undermine reentry. Prisoners Legal Services and other groups proposed minimum standards including a baseline of eight hours out of cell per day, guaranteed access to educational and vocational programs, and protections around temperature, sanitation and shower access.

Speakers noted racial disparities in facility classification and programming access; advocates said the bill should be considered alongside proposals for independent oversight and structural‑racism remedies.

Ending

The committee heard detailed policy and personal testimony but did not vote. Advocates asked the committee to advance S.1651 / H.2608 to establish enforceable minimum standards across all Massachusetts correctional facilities.