Senate Passes Resolution Responding to the Supreme Judicial Court’s Order RE: Documents Requested by the State Auditor

On May 28, 2026, the Massachusetts State Senate voted to adopt a resolution to affirmatively declare its intention to provide documents related to its financial operations to the Office of the State Auditor (OSA). Senator Driscoll voted in favor of the resolution to provide financial documents to the OSA. The State Senate therefore moved forward in good faith while remaining mindful of the constitutional safeguards that protect the separation of powers. The documents were sent by the Senate to the OSA on 06/01/2026. 

The Supreme Judicial Court’s (SJC) recent proceedings involving the OSA and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) provided long-needed clarity and guidance on questions the Senate has had regarding materials the OSA has requested.

We have always believed in the importance of the transparency of, and accountability for, public funds. That’s why Senate finances are already publicly reported, why spending information is available online, and why we have consistently supported independent financial oversight in the form of annual independent audits.

The Senate’s public open records can be found here: https://malegislature.gov/OpenRecords/Senate 

At the same time, we as Senators swear an oath to defend the Constitution of Massachusetts, and continue to believe there are important constitutional limits, such as the protection of the separation of powers between the branches of government.

Requests that seek to overstep the powers of the legislature to organize and conduct its business as outlined in the Massachusetts Constitution will continue to be questioned.

We believe this is the right balance: accountability for taxpayer dollars, responsiveness to voters, respect for the Constitution, and a path forward that keeps our focus on delivering for the people of Massachusetts.

###