The Attorney General’s Office authorized on May 12 the State Auditor to move forward with litigation against the Legislature regarding limited documents specified by a Supreme Judicial Court order dated May 7. The office also agreed to appoint a Special Assistant Attorney General to represent all parties in this litigation.
This development is significant because it outlines how disputes between state agencies and the Legislature over document access will be handled, following clear parameters set by the Supreme Judicial Court. The decision may impact transparency and accountability measures within Massachusetts government operations.
According to the announcement, “The AGO is pleased with the SJC’s order, which holds the State Auditor to commitments the AGO has sought for many months. Those representations now define the framework for these proceedings.” The authorization allows action against the Legislature specifically related to requests for official budgets, audits, transaction listings, and monetary agreements from fiscal years 2021 through 2024.
In addition, “the AGO has authorized the appointment of a SAAG to represent the State Auditor. The AGO is coordinating with Attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan to complete the appointment expeditiously.” As part of procedural requirements, “the AGO has asked the State Auditor to dismiss the currently pending complaint and file a new complaint that is consistent with parameters set forth in Court’s order and AGO’s authorization.” Confirmation of these steps from the State Auditor is requested by May 18.
A status report will then be filed with the Supreme Judicial Court detailing compliance with its order. This includes an explanation that a ruling on an outstanding Motion to Strike will not be needed since that complaint will be dismissed voluntarily while an authorized complaint proceeds.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court acts as final authority on state law and handles appellate jurisdiction over lower court decisions; it stands as one of North America’s oldest continuously functioning appellate courts; operates within Massachusetts; engages in educational outreach about judicial processes; oversees regulation of legal practice; supports public access to court opinions; and provides advisory opinions on key legal issues—all according to its official website.
