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Massachusetts Auditor Petitions High Court to Enforce Voter-Backed Legislative Audit

The move seeks to compel compliance with a voter mandate after House and Senate leaders denied audit access.

Overview

  • State Auditor Diana DiZoglio filed a complaint with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to enforce a 2024 law that authorized audits of the Legislature.
  • House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka declined to provide documents for a performance audit after voters approved the authority with roughly 72% support.
  • Attorney General Andrea Campbell refused to represent the auditor, asserting DiZoglio lacks authority to bring the case and calling the filing a ploy.
  • The push comes after the auditor’s office reported nearly $12 million in alleged public‑assistance fraud in fiscal year 2025 across state programs.
  • A parallel taxpayer suit led by U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton seeks to compel legislative compliance, while retired judge Carol Erskine publicly backed audits and criticized courts asserting exemptions.