Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.
Among the initiatives approved to move forward by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey is one to seek to legalize recreational use of marijuana, but one seeking to legalize fireworks did not make the grade.
Healey ruled Wednesday that 22 initiatives and acts could move forward. Ultimately they may be on the November 2016 state ballot.
Three versions of an initiative seeking to end the prohibition of use of marijuana by people 21 and over were certified by Healey, who said she does not approve of the legalization of the drug but said it should be decided on a legal basis. Another proposal was an act regarding the regulation and taxation of marijuana.
An initiative seeks to create a Constitutional Amendment that abortions could not be required to be publicly funded was certified, but Healey did not certify a number of initiatives seeking Constitutional Amendments that seek to say corporations are not people because the amendments are inconsistent with some constitutional rights.
A certified initiative seeks to end the use of the Common Core Education Standards in Massachusetts schools. Other approved education-related initiatives include the funding of school busing with additional income tax, and calling for fair access to charter schools.
An initiative to give workers fairer scheduling received certification by Healey.
Several certified initiatives pertain to animal shelters, animal euthanasia and prevention of animal cruelty, including stopping farm animals from being kept in small cages.
A certified petition seeks to increase the amount of renewable and alternative energy, and another regarding solar and renewable energy.
Two initiatives regarding the pricing of health care were approved – one for “fair” pricing and one for “equitable” pricing – were certified.
A pair of initiatives seeking to end the double taxation of tobacco products were certified. So was an act that would expand gaming in the state.
Also, an act seeking to require whale safe fishing was certified.
Among the other initiatives rejected were a question looking to would make the Legislature more accountable, and one that called for a ban on state or municipal governments working with organizations that deny the existence of the Holocaust.
Another rejected initiative called for the studying of radiation health and safety risks for protective measures.
According to a Boston Herald article, sponsors of certified questions must now gather at least 64,750 signatures statewide by Nov. 28. If the Legislature fails to adopt the question by May 3, sponsors would then have to collect another 10,792 signatures to secure a spot on the November 2016 ballot.
See all the initiatives and the Attorney General’s response by clicking here.