# Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 21: Rules for living conditions of detainees; enforcement

> Massachusetts · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S21

## Section

- **Citation:** Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 21
- **Heading:** Rules for living conditions of detainees; enforcement
- **Jurisdiction:** Massachusetts
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MA Code / Part I / Title XVI / Chapter 111 / Section 21

## Text

Section 21. The department shall make rules and regulations for police station houses, lockups, houses of detention, jails, houses of correction, prisons and reformatories, regarding the care and use of drinking cups and of dishes used for food, the care and use of bedding, appropriate clothing for detainees, the ventilation of the buildings, the minimum plumbing facilities for human habitation, and the general health and safety of the detainee. A copy of such rules as are applicable to station houses, houses of detention or lockups shall be sent by the said department to the mayor of every city and to the selectmen of every town to which the rules apply; and a copy of such rules as are applicable to jails, houses of correction, prisons or reformatories shall be sent by the department to the proper authorities. Said officials shall enforce said rules. The commissioner shall, following a public hearing, cause any facility failing to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of this section to close until said facility is found to be in compliance and receives written notification from the department to that effect.

Section 21. The department shall make rules and regulations for police station houses, lockups, houses of detention, jails, houses of correction, prisons and reformatories, regarding the care and use of drinking cups and of dishes used for food, the care and use of bedding, appropriate clothing for detainees, the ventilation of the buildings, the minimum plumbing facilities for human habitation, and the general health and safety of the detainee. A copy of such rules as are applicable to station houses, houses of detention or lockups shall be sent by the said department to the mayor of every city and to the selectmen of every town to which the rules apply; and a copy of such rules as are applicable to jails, houses of correction, prisons or reformatories shall be sent by the department to the proper authorities. Said officials shall enforce said rules.

The commissioner shall, following a public hearing, cause any facility failing to comply with the rules and regulations promulgated under the authority of this section to close until said facility is found to be in compliance and receives written notification from the department to that effect.

## Nearby sections

- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S1.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2 Duties of commissioner of public health](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2A Co-operation with MassAbility](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2A.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2B Air pollution emergencies](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2B.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2C Pollution violations; orders of department of environmental protection](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2C.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2D Massachusetts State Health HIV and Hepatitis fund; definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2D.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2G Prevention and Wellness Trust Fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2G.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2I Substance Abuse Services Fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2I.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2J Public Health Grant Trust Fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2J.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 2K Affirming Health Care Trust Fund](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S2K.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 3 Public health council; hearings, intervention](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S3.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 4E Program to combat intellectual disabilities in children](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S4E.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 4F Advisory council on radiation protection](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S4F.md)
- [Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 111, sec. 4G Epileptics; program for care, treatment and rehabilitation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S4G.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MA_PI_TXVI_C111_S21. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.