FROM OUR PRINTED SEPT 1, 2025 EDITION
by Ted Tripp
Sr. Political Reporter
Forty-seven initiative petitions have been filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office to see if they meet constitutional muster. The AG must notify the petitioner of approval by September 3rd so that the petitioner can submit the approved language to the Secretary of State’s Office for set-up into a legal form for collecting signatures.
This year the petitioners will have to collect 74,574 certified signatures in the fall to qualify for the next step in the process.
Proponents will have from about mid-September to November 19th to submit their raw signatures to town and city clerks for certification and from then until December 3rd to get the certified signatures into the Secretary of State’s Office. Amendments to the state Constitution do not require additional signatures, but do require 25% approval in two different legislative sessions to get on the ballot in 2028.
You can read the full text of all the petitions here: tinyurl.com/AG2025InitPetitions.
The petitions:
25-01 Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment Relative to Voting Rights
This would repeal Amendment CXX (120) of the Massachusetts Constitution which prohibited incarcerated felons from voting, thus allowing them to vote.
25-02 Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment Regarding the Public Funding of Abortion
Proposed Amendment: Nothing in this Constitution requires the public funding of abortion.
Thomas M. Harvey;
tharveyesq@aol.com
25-03 Initiative Petition for a Law to Allow Single-Family Homes on Small Lots in Areas with Adequate Infrastructure
This would allow single-family homes on small lots that may now be prohibited or restricted by local zoning laws.
Andrew Mikula;
andrewmikula@gmail.com
25-04 and 25-05 Initiative Petitions for a Law to Require Voter Identification in Massachusetts – Versions A, B
Two different versions of a law requiring a government-issued photo ID when voting, with other qualifications for write-in ballots including signature match and citizenship proof.
Jeff Cohen; jnc978@verizon.net
25-06 Initiative Petition for a Law to Require Compliance with the Current Absentee Ballot Procedure for Early Mail-in Voting in Massachusetts
Strengthens early mail-in voting law requirements.
Jeff Cohen; jnc978@verizon.net
25-07 Initiative Petition for a Law to Classify the Content of the Massachusetts Central Registry of Voters as Public Records
This would require the secretary of state to have a central registry of all the state’s registered voters and make it available to anybody in printed or electronic form, at a cost not to exceed $100.
Jeff Cohen; jnc978@verizon.net
25-08 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Election Day Registration
Allows for same day registration as voting. Proposed by Secretary of State William Francis Galvin.
William Francis Galvin;
info@billgalvin.org
25-09 and 25-10 Initiative Petitions for a Law Relative to Regulating Marijuana – Versions A, B
Two slightly different versions of watering down the current marijuana laws; changing penalties involving possession of one once to two ounces.
Caroline Cunningham;
alcockcaroline@gmail.com;
(772) 559-1567
25-11, 12 and 13 Initiative Petitions for a Law to Implement All-Party State Primaries –
Versions A, B and C
These three slightly different versions would eliminate the current Republican and Democrat primary elections and replace them with one primary election in which all party candidates are listed on the ballot. The top two with the highest vote totals, regardless of party, go on to the ballot for the general election.
Jesse Littlewood;
jesse@coalitionforhealthy
democracy.org; (617) 519-1260
25-14 Initiative Petition for a Law to Improve Access to Public Records
This would broaden the definition of public records to make government information more readily available.
Jesse Littlewood;
jesse@coalitionforhealthy
democracy.org; (617) 519-1260
25-15 and 25-16 Initiative Petitions for a Law to Protect Water & Nature – Versions A, B
These two slightly different versions would set up a “Nature for All” fund, whose money would come from 50% of the taxes on sales and use of sporting goods, recreational vehicles, and golf courses. A 15-member Nature for All board will be set up to disburse the funds for “natural resource conservation.”
Sam Anderson;
sanderson@massaudubon.org;
(781) 259-9500
25-17 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Limiting State Tax Collection Growth and Returning Surpluses to Taxpayers
This would slightly change how the state determines yearly tax collection growth so that it is honest when calculating if any surplus should be returned to the taxpayers. Authored by Chris Anderson, president of the Massachusetts High Technology Council.
Christopher Anderson;
chris@mhtc.org; 781-786-2664
25-18 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Reducing the State Personal Income Tax Rate from 5% to 4%
A law to change the current 5% state income tax for “income, interest and dividends to 4.67 per cent for the tax year beginning on January 1, 2027, 4.33 per cent for the tax year beginning on January 1, 2028, and 4.00 per cent for tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2029.” James Stergios is executive director of the Pioneer Institute.
James Stergios;
jstergios@pioneerinstitute.org;
617-818-1730
25-19 Initiative Petition for a Constitutional Amendment Extending the People’s
Right of Self-Government
Not sure on this, but this amendment apparently wishes us to be part of a “democratically elected legislature of a united federation of nations” … “world commonwealth, a federal union composed of democratic nations” … “…shall be adequate to preserve peace through the enactment, interpretation and enforcement of world law.”
Paul Anderson;
Commonwealth707@gmail.com;
978-245-8248
25-20 Initiative Petition for a Proposed Constitutional Amendment – Recall Elections for Statewide, Countywide, and Districtwide Elected Officers
This amendment sets up a recall process for the following elected offices: governor, lt. governor, secretary of state, attorney general, treasurer, auditor, state senator, state representative, district attorney, sheriff, governor’s councillor, register of probate, register of deeds, clerk of courts, county commissioner, and county treasurer. The state currently has no recall process.
Michael F. Dattoli;
michaeldattoli@gmail.com;
617-999-5333
25-21 An Initiative Petition to Protect Tenants by Limiting Rent Increases
This is simply rent control by government. It would limit annual rent increases to the consumer price index or 5%, whichever is lower.
Carolyn Chou;
carolyn@homesforallmass.org;
617-804-5658
25-22 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Labor Relations Policies for Committee for Public Counsel Services Employees
This just seems to clear up existing legal definitions of “Employer,” “public employer,” and the “committee for public counsel services.”
Tom McKeever;
tmckeever@seiu888.org;
617-241-3300
25-23 Initiative Petition for a Law Reducing the Burden of Sales and Use Taxes
This would drop all sales and use taxes from the current 6.25% to 5%.
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-24 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Zero Emission Vehicles, Zero Emission Home Heating Systems, and Home Solar Powered Electricity
This petition would provide tax credits up to $25,000 on the purchase of electric vehicles, and eligible home improvement systems such as high efficiency heat pumps, solar power systems, and energy storage systems.
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-25 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to the Safety of Autonomous Vehicles
Requires that “a human safety operator is physically present in the autonomous vehicle such that they have the ability to monitor the performance of the vehicle and intervene if necessary.”
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-26 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Larceny, including Shoplifting
A law such that the aggregation of thefts of property repeated over a period of time can be used in determining if prosecution should be for a felony vs. a misdemeanor.
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-27 Initiative Petition for a Law to End the Gas Tax
Drops the current 24 cents/gal gasoline tax to 5 cents/gal until Jan. 1, 2036, after which it becomes zero cents/gal.
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-28 Initiative Petition for a Law to Cap Residential and Commercial Property Tax Increases
Changes current law to “The tax assessed on a parcel of residential or commercial real estate in any taxable year shall not be greater than 102.5 percent of the tax assessed on that parcel in the previous taxable year …”
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-29 Initiative Petition for a Law Expanding Eligibility for Paid Family and Medical Leave
Allows currently “ineligible employees” under the Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation to elect coverage under certain conditions and make contributions to the Family and Employment Security Trust Fund.
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-30 Initiative Petition for a Law to Provide the Right to Counsel in Eviction Proceedings
“…subject to appropriation, establish a statewide Right to Counsel Program which shall, upon the court’s appointment, provide full legal representation to eligible individuals in covered proceedings.” An “eligible individual” is a “…tenant or occupant of any premises rented or leased for dwelling purposes …”
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-31 Initiative Petition for a Law to Provide the Right to Counsel in Eviction and Foreclosure Proceedings
Very similar to 25-30, but includes foreclosure proceedings.
Harold Hubschman;
harold@SignatureDrive.com;
(617) 879-8149
25-32 Initiative Petition for an Act to Repeal MBTA Zoning
Repeals MGL c. 40A s. 3A, the so-called MBTA Zoning law. This petition further annuls any municipal district which has adopted the law.
John T. Kolackovsky;
CSCS.LLC@comcast.net;
(978) 502-6019
25-33 Initiative Petition for an Act Preserving Local Control of Zoning
The heart of the petition: “Section 2 — With specific exception for Chapter 40B ss. 20-23, the State Government shall not compel, coerce, incentivize, or otherwise try to induce municipalities to adopt or fail to adopt zoning policies.”
John T. Kolackovsky;
CSCS.LLC@comcast.net;
(978) 502-6019
25-34 Initiative Petition for an Act to Prevent Overdevelopment
Added to MGL: “Section 18. No state administered program, or grant, or incentive, or mandate, or obligation, shall require a municipality to zone for more than 5 units per acre. No property may have more than 10 units per acre without a special permit issued by the local zoning board of appeals, planning board, or special permit granting authority.”
John T. Kolackovsky;
CSCS.LLC@comcast.net;
(978) 502-6019
25-35 Initiative Petition for an Act Reforming the Zoning Process
Proposes state standards for changing zoning in towns and cities, generally requiring a two-thirds approval. Time, board approvals and public hearings may have to be met.
John T. Kolackovsky;
CSCS.LLC@comcast.net;
(978) 502-6019
25-36 Initiative Petition for an Act to Eliminate Legislative Stipends
This would eliminate the stipends legislators receive for travel and office expenses as well as for leadership assignments. Legislators currently make a base salary of $82,046 per year. They also get from $22,431 to $29,908 per year for travel and office expenses. Moreover, they each get more money for leadership positions such as $97,200 extra for budget chiefs, $89,723 extra for floor leaders and so on for other leadership posts. Almost all Democrats have assigned leadership positions.
Jonathan Hecht;
jonathan.hecht@yale.edu;
(617) 320-8905
25-37 Initiative Petition for
an Act to Reform and Regulate Legislative Stipends
This petition would define and limit those legislative leadership positions eligible for stipends and the amount of stipend to be determined by the level of leadership and as a percentage of base salary.
Jonathan Hecht;
jonathan.hecht@yale.edu;
(617) 320-8905
25-38 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to
Corporate Radiation Limits
This proposed nine-page law would “require technology companies that design, manufacture, install, or which maintain digital, internet or wireless infrastructure, technology, or services to make design and technology choices that reduce exposure to electromagnetic radiation. These requirements would apply to new products, services, installations, and infrastructure and, where compatible, to service and product upgrades arid software updates. These requirements must be implemented immediately, within two years, or within four years…”
Kirstin Beatty; (413) 536-3505
25-39 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Corporate Radiation Limits and Compliance
This now 20-page petition is very similar to 25-38, but now includes the establishment of a division within the Bureau of Climate and Environmental Health to evaluate compliance and recommend best practices.
Kirstin Beatty; (413) 536-3505
25-40 Initiative Petition for a Law Relative to Corporate Radiation Limits, Compliance, and Legal Challenge
This 12-page petition is similar to 25-39 and 25-40, but adds: If federal law is used to prevent implementation of this law, the attorney general is directed to mount a challenge based on the lack of due diligence and the “unconstitutionality of Section 704 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which denies states from regulating wireless facilities based on public and environmental health concerns if facilities comply with federal guidelines.”
Kirstin Beatty; (413) 536-3505
25-41 Initiative Petition for a Constitutional amendment Relative to a Fair and Accountable Legislature
This proposed law eliminates the ability of the legislative leadership to set bonus pay, benefits, and determine staffing, as well as a problem where legislators lack access to adequate resources and staffing. It establishes a citizens’ commission to insure that all legislators and staff have a living wage and that a reasonable bonus is only provided to legislators with completion of legislative duties and ethical behavior. … It requires greater transparency regarding legislation, votes, and ethics.
Kirstin Beatty; (413) 536-3505
25-42 Initiative Petition for a Law to Promote Consent and Transparency in Utility Billing
The purpose of this act is to prevent ratepayers from being involuntarily charged for programs, surcharges, tariffs, or other cost recovery mechanisms that are not directly related to the physical delivery of gas and electricity. This act requires affirmative, written consent before such charges may be imposed, defines the scope of delivery-related charges, establishes a cap on non-delivery-related charges in the absence of consent, and ensures that billing is clear and transparent.
Eliseu DeSousa;
CitizensAgainstEversource
@gmail.com; (774) 634-7121
25-43 Initiative Petition for a Law to Eliminate Revenue-Based Reconciliation in Utility Rate Structures
“The purpose of this Act is to protect utility ratepayers by eliminating the use of revenue decoupling mechanisms in utility ratemaking, thereby ensuring that utility rates reflect actual delivery service costs and usage, and that regulatory structures do not artificially stabilize or inflate utility revenues at the expense of ratepayer transparency or consent.”
Eliseu DeSousa;
CitizensAgainstEversource@
gmail.com; (774) 634-7121
25-44 Initiative Petition for a Law to Guarantee Analog Utility Meter Availability and Informed Consent for Wireless Metering
“An initiative petition for a law to guarantee analog utility meter availability and informed consent for wireless metering.”
Eliseu DeSousa;
CitizensAgainstEversource@
gmail.com; (774) 634-7121
25-45 and 25-46 Initiative Petitions for a Law to Promote Consent and Transparency in Electric Utility Billing – Versions A, B
These Versions A and B are very similar and their purpose is “to prevent ratepayers from being involuntarily charged for programs, surcharges, tariffs, or other cost recovery mechanisms that are not directly related to the physical delivery of electricity. This act requires affirmative, written consent before such charges may be imposed, defines the scope of delivery-related charges, establishes a cap on non-delivery-related charges in the absence of consent, and ensures that billing is clear and transparent.”
Eliseu DeSousa;
CitizensAgainstEversource@
gmail.com; (774) 634-7121
25-47 Initiative Petition for a Law to Promote Consent and Transparency in Gas Utility Billing
“The purpose of this act is to prevent ratepayers from being involuntarily charged for programs, surcharges, tariffs, or other cost recovery mechanisms that are not directly related to the physical delivery of gas. This act requires affirmative, written consent before such charges may be imposed, defines the scope of delivery-related charges, establishes a cap on non-delivery-related charges in the absence of consent, and ensures that billing is clear and transparent.”
Eliseu DeSousa;
CitizensAgainstEversource@
gmail.com; (774) 634-7121
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For More Information
For further information on any of these ballot questions, go to the attorney general’s website at www.mass.gov/info-details/current-
petitions-filed. ♦
