2026 MA Ballot Initiatives

GBIO Official Positions

Question 1: Public Records Requirements for Legislature and Governor’s Office [SUPPORT]

A “Yes” vote would make records held by the state legislature and the governor's office subject to the state's public records law.

  • Application of public records laws to the state legislature advances a state government transparency effort that includes: the State Auditor’s fight to audit the legislature and a change in the legislature’s stipend system that rewards loyalty to the leadership. State government transparency facilitates GBIO’s ability to pass meaningful legislation.

  • Gov. Maura Healy, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, League of Women Voters of MA, Progressive MA, Act on Mass, MA Fiscal Alliance.

  • Senate President Karen Spilka.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 84%, (-) 7%, (?) 7%

More Information: Ballotpedia

Question 5: Change State Revenue Limit

A “No” vote would oppose a change to the way tax revenue is calculated and capped by including the ‘millionaires tax’ (approved by voters in 2022). (A "Yes" vote would reduce the revenue the state could collect to provide essential services.)

  • MA residents rely on the state and municipalities to provide and support essential services such as schools, hospitals, nursing homes, police, fire depts, transit and other facilities. This initiative, if passed, would eliminate nearly 12% of state revenue on which all residents rely. This translates to $2B per year on average.

  • MA Competitive Partnership, MA Fiscal Alliance, MA High Technology Council, National Federation of Independent Business, Pioneer Institute, Retailers Association of MA.

  • Senate President Karen Spilka, 1199 SEIU, MA AFT, MTA, SEIU 609, SEIU MA State Council, League of Women Voters of MA, Progressive MA, MA Budget and Policy Center.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 59%, (-) 14%, (?) 16%

More Information: Ballotpedia, No On 5 Campaign

Question 9: Firearm Regulations [SUPPORT]

A “Yes” vote would uphold H.4885 that:

  • develops electronic registration to track gun ownership

  • prohibits assault-style firearms

  • requires safety certificates to obtain firearm permits

  • mandates firearm serial numbers

  • allows schools and healthcare provides to request court issued Extreme Risk Protection Orders

  • permits courts to order firearm surrender when issuing Harassment Prevention Orders.

  • This initiative fits well with GBIO’s longstanding support of gun violence prevention.

  • Gov. Maura Healey, State Rep. Michael Day, MA AFL-CIO, MA AFT, League of Women Voters of MA, MA Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence, Progressive MA.

  • Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 70%, (-) 22%, (?) 5%

More Information: Ballotpedia.

Question 7: Limit on Required Lot Size for Single-Family Homes [SUPPORT]

A “Yes” vote would impose zoning standards on cities and towns to allow single-family homes on residential lots at lower minimum size than what many cities and towns currently mandate.

  • This initiative would preempt local zoning laws that require 0.5-2.0 acre lots for building. It supports GBIO’s housing and home ownership campaigns in pushing for increased housing.

  • U.S. Rep. Jake Auchincloss, State Sen. James Eldridge, Abundant Housing MA, Charles River Regional Chamber, Greater Boston Real Estate Board, Home Builders & Remodelers Association of MA, League of Women Voters of MA, Massachusetts Association of REALTORS, Progressive MA.

  • Massachusetts Municipal Association.

Latest Polling Data: Aug 12, 2026 (+) 59%, (-) 21%, (?) 14%

More Information: Ballotpedia.