S 506
An Act relative to dark money in local government
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Bill overview
This bill aims to increase transparency regarding financial contributions to local government entities in Massachusetts. It seeks to require disclosure of donations made to local political committees and ballot question committees, ensuring the public has information about who is funding local campaigns and initiatives. The goal is to reduce the influence of ‘dark money’ – undisclosed political spending – in local elections and decision-making processes. This legislation focuses on strengthening existing election laws to promote accountability and public awareness.
Key provisions
- Requires disclosure of donations to local political committees.
- Requires disclosure of donations to ballot question committees.
- Defines ‘dark money’ as undisclosed political spending.
- Establishes reporting requirements for these donations.
- Specifies penalties for non-compliance.
- Addresses the use of local political committees in elections.
- Clarifies the scope of covered donations.
- Requires regular reporting of donation information.
Who is affected
- Local government entities
- Local political committees
- Ballot question committees
- Massachusetts voters
- Campaign finance regulators
Notable changes
- Increases transparency in local election financing.
- Addresses the issue of ‘dark money’ in local politics.
- Expands disclosure requirements for political committees.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Dylan A. Fernandes
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Bill S.506 194th (Current)
An Act relative to dark money in local government
By Mr. Cyr, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 506) of Julian Cyr and Dylan A. Fernandes for legislation relative to dark money in local government. Election Laws.
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Bill Information
Bill Information
Presenter: Julian Cyr Status: Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Tabs
Bill History Petitioners Committee Vote Committee Summary Primary Sponsor Summary
Bill History
Displaying 4 actions for Bill S.506
| Date | Branch | Action |
| 2/27/2025 | Senate | Referred to the committee on Election Laws |
| 2/27/2025 | House | House concurred |
| 10/10/2025 | Joint | Hearing scheduled for 10/21/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in 222 |
| 11/24/2025 | Senate | Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means |
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