Massachusetts Senate Asks Supreme Court to Review Two Contested Ballot Petitions

BOSTON — March 12, 2026 — The Massachusetts Senate voted unanimously Thursday to seek advisory opinions from the Supreme Judicial Court on the constitutionality of two ballot initiative petitions — one that would extend the public records law to the legislature and governor's office, and one that would tie legislators' additional pay to procedural compliance. Senator Cindy F. Friedman of Middlesex formally presented both orders, designated Senate Nos. 3015 and 3016, while Senator Paul R. Feeney of Bristol, a member of the Special Committee on Initiative Petitions, led floor debate, insisting the referrals were "simply a necessary part of the process" and "not a challenge to the ballot questions." The Senate faces a May 5, 2026, deadline to vote on whether to enact either measure as drafted before the petitions advance further toward the November ballot. The Senate also gave final passage to three local-option bills and placed a ban on retail sales of dogs, cats, rabbits, and pet sharks on the calendar for a second meeting on March 19, 2026.