Government Accountability
194th General Court (2025-2026)
An Act Relative to Fair Elections
This bill would provide candidates for legislative offices in Massachusetts with the option to forego large private campaign donations, and instead fund their campaigns using a combination of small private donations and public matching funds.
An Act Establishing a Legislative Fiscal Office
Creates an independent office that analyzes the cost of bills for legislators, their staff, and the public.
Proposal for a Legislative Amendment to the Constitution Establishing an Independent Redistricting Commission
Establishes a commission to draw federal and state legislative districts. The commission would be insulated from political pressures in drawing districts.
Resolutions for a United States Constitutional Amendment and a Limited Amendment Proposing Convention (We the People)
The “We the People” bill would have Massachusetts join other states in calling for a limited Article V Convention of states to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to affirm that corporations are not people and do not have the right to be treated as people, and that Congress and state legislatures are able to limit the influence of money in politics. Amendments to the US Constitution proposed by a convention must still receive approval from 75% of the states (38 currently).
An Act in Furtherance of the Citizens Commission Concerning a Constitutional Amendment to Secure Government of the People
This bill makes a technical change to a commission.
An Act Relative to the Effective Enforcement of Municipal Ordinances and By-Laws
Allows for a municipality to charge a maximum of $1,000 for non-criminal violations of local bylaws, ordinances and rules or regulations. This would be an increase from the current $300 maximum, bringing more teeth to municipal law enforcement and deterring habitual offenders
An Act to Provide Sunlight to State Government (Sunlight Act)
Transparency is the cornerstone of deomcracy. This bill contains the following elements to improve public access to key information: (1) Requires that legislative testimony be made public; (2) Makes committee votes public; (3) Requires 2-week notice before a legislative hearing takes place; and (4) applies the public records law to the governor's office.