Poll: Mass. Legislature underwater in court of public opinion

"Massachusetts is known for being one of the least transparent states in the country when it comes to the accessibility of public records. The governor, judiciary, and state lawmakers enjoy broad exemptions for compliance with public records requests. There are no independent statewide audits of compliance with public records law."

"A total of 87% of respondents said that government transparency is extremely important in achieving the ideals of a democracy. When asked whether they believe lawmakers should be subject to the state public records law, 86% of respondents to the Pioneer Institute poll said that they do believe that."

"This fall, voters could very likely be presented with a ballot question that would make most records held by the governor's office and the Legislature public under the existing law. This indicates that the ballot question would easily pass, pollsters wrote in a briefing about the results."

Massachusetts residents view the state Legislature unfavorably, with only 28% holding positive views compared to 51% viewing it negatively. A poll of 642 residents found that 87% consider government transparency extremely important for democracy. Massachusetts ranks among the least transparent states, with the governor, judiciary, and lawmakers enjoying broad exemptions from public records compliance. No independent statewide audits exist to monitor compliance with public records law. An upcoming ballot question could require the governor's office and Legislature to release most records under existing law. The state Senate challenged this proposal to the Supreme Judicial Court, citing concerns about deliberation freedom. However, 86% of poll respondents believe lawmakers should be subject to public records law, suggesting the ballot measure would likely pass.

Read at Boston.com