Article 2

Article 2 – Citizen’s Petition: Resolution Regarding the Audit of the Massachusetts Legislature

PETITIONER’S REPORT: This article asks Town Meeting to consider a non-binding resolution concerning the statewide ballot question approved by Massachusetts voters in November 2024, which authorized the State Auditor to conduct audits of the “accounts, programs, activities, and functions” of the Massachusetts Legislature.

The intent of the article is to allow the voters of Sudbury to express their position on the implementation of that ballot measure. The resolution urges the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate to comply with the State Auditor’s request to conduct the audit authorized by the electorate. If further calls upon the Governor to support the implementation of the voter-approved audit and requests that the Attorney General refrain from actions that would impede or delay the audit process.

The scope of the article is limited to expressing the sense of the town. It does not appropriate funds, amend bylaws, or create any binding obligation on the Town of Sudbury. If adopted, the resolution would be transmitted by the Town Clerk to the designated state officials as an official communication of the will of Town Meeting.

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To see the Town will vote to adept the following resolution regarding the voter-approved Audit of the Massachusetts Legislature.

RESOLUTION From the Citizens of the Town of Sudbury Directing the Massachusetts Legislature, Governor, and Attorney General Regarding the Voter-Approved Audit of the Legislature

WHEREAS, in November 2024, the voters of the Commonwealth approved a statewide ballot question authorizing the State Auditor to conduct audits of the “accounts, programs, activities, and functions” of the Massachusetts Legislature; and

WHEREAS, the measure passed with strong support statewide and with a clear majority of voters in the Town of Sudbury; and

WHEREAS, the purpose of the audit authority is to promote transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the operation of state government; and

WHEREAS, the Legislature has not yet complied with the State Auditor’s request to conduct the audit authorized by the voters; and

WHEREAS, the Governor of the Commonwealth holds a constitutional role in ensuring the faithful execution of the laws enacted by the people; and

WHEREAS, the Attorney General of the Commonwealth is responsible for representing the public interest and for ensuring that the will of the voters is respected and upheld; and

WHEREAS, the citizens of Sudbury believe that the results of a statewide ballot questions constitute a clear expression of the will of the electorate and should be implemented in good faith by all branches of state government;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the citizens of the Town of Sudbury respectfully urge the Speaker of the House or Representatives and the President of the Senate to comply fully with the State Auditor’s request to conduct the audit authorized by the voters of the Commonwealth; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the citizens of the Town of Sudbury respectfully call upon Governor Maura Healey to support and facilitate the implementation of the voter-approved audit and to encourage legislative cooperation consistent with the expressed will of the electorate; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the citizens of the Town of Sudbury respectfully request that the Attorney General of the Commonwealth refrain from taking or continuing any legal actions that would impede, delay, or prevent the execution of the audit authorized by the voters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk is hereby directed to transmit copies of this Resolution to the Speaker of the House, the President of the Senate, the Governor, the Attorney General, the State Auditor, and Sudbury’s state legislative delegation.