MA H2018

Requires all county and state correctional facilities to partner with public higher education institutions to develop educational programming and allow prisoners with high school diplomas to earn college credits toward associate's or bachelor's degrees

Mandates the Department of Correction develop food standards within 6 months meeting USDA Dietary Guidelines, including minimum 20 minutes seated meal time, prohibition of food-related punishments, and equal food access for staff and incarcerated individuals

Requires annual surveys of incarcerated populations to evaluate food service satisfaction and identify needed improvements

Establishes a 15-member commission to review health care effects in correctional facilities, with members appointed by legislative leaders, the governor, and advocacy organizations including Prisoners' Legal Services and NAACP

Creates a separate 15-member commission to study mental health effects of confinement in the Departmental Disciplinary Unit (DDU), with both commissions required to report findings by January 1, 2022