Although DiZoglio launched a House and Senate review weeks into her term last year, lawmakers quickly said they would not comply. The attorney general later told DiZoglio that her office did not have the legal authority to unilaterally investigate the Legislature, arguing that the Legislature had not explicitly done so Identify yourself as one of the government entities that fall under the auditor’s jurisdiction under state law.

So DiZoglio is trying to change the law by asking voters to approve a measure her office that Power to examine the legislature.

A yes vote would clarify that her office has the authority to audit the state Legislature.

A no would mean that the law would remain as it is.

DiZoglio, a Democrat, is a driving force behind the ballot issue. She put $105,000 of her own campaign money into a group pushing the initiative. She also literally walked around the state promoting it. The audit push was also supported by a mix of Democratic groups like Progressive Massachusetts and Our Revolution Massachusetts, as well as Republicans: The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, a conservative-leaning nonprofit, and its founder helped put the question on the ballot, Rick Green, donated $10,000. A company with ties to car salesman Ernie Boch Jr., who has endorsed prominent Republicans, poured $75,000 into the effort, campaign finance records show.

Lawmakers, including House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen E. Spilka, oppose the question. But aides to both Democrats said their chambers do not plan to organize a campaign against the initiative, meaning no formal group has been formed to raise money or run ads against the ballot question.

DiZoglio, herself a former state lawmaker, called the Legislature one of the most opaque legislative bodies in the country and argued that her efforts would bring transparency – and accountability – to a body that is not subject to the state’s public records or open meetings laws . She has indicated that she wants to review not only hiring and spending within the chambers, but also the way leaders appoint committees, the adoption or suspension of their rules, and their policies and procedures.

Legislative leaders argue that an audit would violate the constitutional separation of powers between the legislative and executive branches. They also allege that DiZoglio showed a “clear bias” against the Legislature, according to a report submitted by a legislative committee reviewing the submitted ballot question. Lawmakers argue that much of the information is also already public, pointing out that all legislative sessions and committee hearings are streamed live and that roll call votes and calendars are available online.

Then things could get really interesting. Lawmakers have the power to change any law passed at the ballot box, meaning they could adjust or even repeal the measure if they choose to do so.

What DiZoglio ultimately seeks to consider — and how lawmakers respond — could also lead to a legal battle. Attorney General Andrea J. Campbell warned last year that DiZoglio’s power could face “constitutional limitations” even if the measure was approved. A report from Tufts University’s Center for State Policy Analysis noted that a range of things, from debates to committee assignments, could be considered “core legislative functions” and therefore off-limits to DiZoglio, even if her office does Specific authority to examine these functions is given to legislative chambers.

Here’s your guide to the 2024 election in Massachusetts, from local races to voting issues

According to the report, legislative votes and policies would be off-limits to auditors, even if they had the authority to review the legislation

Diana DiZoglio’s move to audit the Legislature marks a political move

Do Democrats support DiZoglio’s push to audit the Legislature? It depends on who you ask.

Matt Stout can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him @mattpstout.