By Bob Katzen

The State Ballot Law Commission, a five-member body appointed by the governor, issued a decision overruling the objection filed against an initiative petition that would place on the 2026 November ballot a question asking voters to repeal the current laws that legalize, regulate and tax the retail sale of adult recreational use marijuana in Massachusetts. The proposal to put the question on the ballot had garnered the required 74,754 signatures and it will now, like ten other petitions, go before the Legislature for consideration. If not approved by the Legislature by May 6, 2026, proponents must gather another 12,429 signatures by July 1, 2026, in order for the question to appear on the November 2026 ballot.

The commission’s decision cited the lack of admissible evidence presented by the objector. The commission wrote, “The objector’s call that the unsupported allegations contained in the objection raise serious questions about the petition’s integrity that warrant further scrutiny from the commission itself, rings hollow given that absolutely no admissible evidence has been presented or offered supporting the allegations made.”

REGULATE AND RESTRICT CIVIL ARRESTS IN COURTHOUSES BY ICE AGENTS (SD 3607) – Sen. Lydia Edwards (D-Boston) has filed legislation that would require ICE agents to obtain a judicial warrant in order to take someone into custody in a courthouse or on courthouse grounds, for a civil immigration crime such as being present in the U.S. without lawful status and overstaying a visa.

The proposal also requires agents to identify themselves to uniformed court personnel and state the specific law enforcement purpose for their presence in the courthouse, and the proposed enforcement action the agent intends to take. Another provision prohibits ice agents from wearing masks unless medically necessary.

Edwards said that “the proposal is rooted in a simple principle: courthouses must remain safe spaces where justice is practiced without fear.” She noted that Increased ICE activity in and around courthouses undermines the sense of safety within these buildings and grounds and has had a chilling effect on access to the courts – prohibiting residents from fully exercising their right to due process.

“Courthouses exist so people can seek justice – not to be places of fear or enforcement ambush,” said Edwards. “When individuals are too afraid to show up to court, justice breaks down for everyone. This legislation is about defending the rule of law, safeguarding due process and ensuring our courts remain places where fairness and equal access are upheld for all.”