Massachusetts Votes

Rescinds all previous applications made by the Massachusetts General Court to Congress to call an Article V constitutional convention for proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

Establishes policies regulating the removal of library materials in public schools and libraries in Massachusetts, and mandates new procedures to ensure that challenges to obscene materials do not result in automatic removal.

Allocates $500,000 for the operation and support of a network of child and family service programs throughout the commonwealth, including family resource centers.

Amends various chapters of the General Laws to require that disposable menstrual products be made available at no cost to "menstruating individuals" in family shelters, public schools, jails, and correctional facilities.

Increases legal protection for "reproductive" and "gender-affirming" services in Massachusetts.

The Fiscal Year 2026 $60.9 Billion state budget increases spending by about $3.2 billion over the previous budget, funding universal access to pre-kindergarten, increasing the Commonwealth Transportation Fund, and implementing the Affordable Homes Act.

Would increase spending about $1.97 billion, or 3.5 percent, over the fiscal 2024 spending plan, authorizing free community college, free rides on regional transit agencies, and legal online Lottery sales.

Aims to reduce plastic waste through several measures.

Continues funding Massachusetts' emergency family shelter system.

Expands the state's assault weapon ban by prohibiting new purchases of AR-15-style weapons and bans ghost guns.

Requires businesses and employers to report employee salaries to the Secretary of State every year.

Allows individuals to change their gender designation on official documents without medical or court documentation.

Removes the "good reason" provision from Massachusetts's license-to-carry (LTC) statute, but keeps the requirement of mandatory in-person police interviews for residents who possess or carry firearms.

Orders the expanded public provision, facilitation, and promotion of "reproductive health care and gender-affirming care" activities, such as abortion and surgical treatment of "gender dysphoria."

Adopts, as the "VOTES Act," several changes to state election law, including permanent early voting by mail and reinforcement of automatic voter registration.

Makes applicants without "proof of lawful presence" eligible for a Massachusetts driver's license."

Proposed to amend the Massachusetts Constitution to authorize an additional income tax of 4%-an 80% increase-on taxpayers who earn more than $1 million annually.

Acts as the "Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy," setting a statewide target of "net-zero" emissions by 2050 and directing a "clean energy equity workforce" for "environmental justice populations."