Happy hours, fireworks, gig workers & corporate oversight lead 17 ballot initiatives receiving initial qualification

Courtesy | Attorney General Maura Healey's office Attorney General Maura Healey

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By Sloane M. Perron

On Wednesday, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office announced it had certified 17 petitions for the November 2022 ballot, which potentially could become proposed laws if they receive enough signatures and then are approved by voters next year.

In total, 30 initiative petitions were submitted by the Aug. 4th deadline but only 17 met the state constitutional requirements needed to proceed to the next stage, according to the release.

After being certified, proponents of the proposed laws must now gather and file signatures of 80,239 registered voters by Dec. 1, at which point the proposal will be sent to the state legislature, as stated in the press release.

Most of the certified petitions focused on corporate oversight, financial transparency, and business dealings in industries such as healthcare and retail.

21-03 Initiative Petition for Law Relative to 21st Century Alcohol Retail Reform: Would increase statewide limits on the combined number of licenses for alcoholic beverages intended for off-premises consumption and would prohibit automated or self-checkout alcohol sales.
21-06 An Act to Ensure Hospital CEO Financial Transparency: Prohibits CEOs at hospitals from either serving on the board of directors or receiving compensation from any company that develops or manufactures medical devices and/or pharmaceuticals.
21-08 An Act to Limit Excessive Hospital Operating Margins & Maintain Essential Health: Would impose financial penalties on hospitals who receive public funding and whose annual operating margins are greater than 8% in any fiscal year. These penalties would be directed into a new fund that expands Medicaid reimbursement.
21-11 A Law Defining and Regulating the Contract-Based Relationship Between Network: Would consider app-based drivers who work through ride sharing apps to be independent contractors, not employees or agents. Network companies would be required to provide minimum pay guarantees, safety training courses, healthcare stipends, and paid medical leave. Two versions of this bill were filed.
21-14 The Regulation and Sale of Consumer Fireworks Act: Would permit the sale of fireworks to consumers over the age of 21 who are not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
21-18 An Act Preserving Consumer Access to Gasoline and Other Motor Fuels: States that the supply of gasoline, or similar motor fuels, shall not be reduced or restricted by the imposition of any tax.
21-20 Initiative Petition Relative to Happy Hour Practices Specifically Permitted by Licensees: Reverses the state’s ban on happy hour drink specials and would allow licensed establishments to offer free/discounted drinks, contests, advertising, and private functions for promotional purposes.