Massachusetts transparency measure headed to November ballot

Massachusetts voters will decide on Question 1 this November, a ballot measure aimed at expanding the state’s public records law. If passed, the law would include the governor’s office and the Legislature, making documents such as state contracts and financial receipts available for public inspection and copying.

Currently, Massachusetts is the only state where the state legislature, governor’s office, and judiciary are exempt from public records laws. The initiative is led by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who argues the measure will ensure citizens have access to records they fund. Governor Maura Healey has expressed support for the measure.

While the Tufts Center for State Policy Analysis suggests the question would improve access to financial and administrative details, it noted that documents related to policymaking decisions and communications with lobbyists would remain inaccessible. The Legislature’s Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions has raised concerns regarding the state resources required to comply with the potential law.