Expanding the Public Records Law
Would require the state Legislature and the Governor's office to comply with the public records law, which they're currently exempt from, with two carve-outs.
A YES vote
Requires the Legislature and the Governor's office to produce records on request, the same as state agencies and cities and towns already must. Two things stay off-limits either way: internal deliberations over policy positions, and communications between a legislator's office and a constituent about getting help from government services.
A NO vote
Keeps the current exemption. The Legislature and the Governor's office can still decline to respond to records requests, as they can today.
Who this affects
- Journalists, researchers, and anyone who requests government records
- State lawmakers and the Governor's office
- State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, who filed the petition
Who's for it, who's against it
Supporters say
The Coalition for Healthy Democracy is leading the campaign, with Governor Maura Healey and State Auditor Diana DiZoglio (who filed the petition after a dispute over her authority to audit the Legislature) also in support.
Opponents say
No formal opposition committee had organized as of late August 2026. Senate President Karen Spilka has publicly criticized how the measure was drafted.
Who's paying for the campaigns
Funding the YES side
The Coalition for Healthy Democracy, backing a YES vote, has raised $5.2 million (shared with the Question 3 campaign) — the largest single committee this cycle. Top donors: Randy Peeler of Berkshire Partners (over $1 million) and Andrew Balson of Cove Hill Partners (about $800,000).
Funding the NO side
No opposition committee had organized as of late August 2026, so there's no comparable NO-side spending to report.
Figures reflect filings as of late August 2026 and will shift before Election Day.
Official summary and full text: Secretary of the Commonwealth, Information for Voters. Background and funding figures compiled from nonpartisan research by Tufts University's Center for State Policy Analysis and OCPF campaign finance filings.