Supreme Judicial Court

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court removed a rent control ballot initiative due to a technicality about exemptions for religious institutions. Supporters argue the policy stabilizes communities and lowers rents, citing studies and examples in Paris and New York City. Lawmakers are urged to pass legislation allowing local rent stabilization measures.

The Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Petersham officials improperly blocked a solar project by Sunpin Energy Services, requiring the town to conduct a site-specific analysis to reconsider the permit. The decision highlights tensions between promoting solar energy and preserving local control over land use in forested areas.

Massachusetts' Supreme Judicial Court removed a proposed income tax cut question from the November ballot, citing a misleading summary by the attorney general’s office. The court ruled the summary incorrectly stated the tax cut’s impact on long-term capital gains, rendering the measure ineligible for voter consideration.

Massachusetts voters approved a 2024 ballot question granting the state auditor authority to audit the Legislature. The House passed a bill narrowing this authority to four limited categories, restricting access to supporting documents, and barring courts from resolving audit disputes, which critics argue undermines judicial review and transparency.