Massachusetts State Auditor Continues Fight to Audit Legislature

DiZoglio has faced pushback from legislative leaders despite voter support for the effort.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is continuing her quest to audit the state legislature, despite pushback from legislative leaders who have questioned the constitutionality of a 2024 ballot measure that gave DiZoglio's office the authority to do so. DiZoglio has elevated the issue to the state's Supreme Judicial Court, but the Attorney General has intervened, arguing that only her office can initiate such a lawsuit. DiZoglio is also working on a new ballot question for 2026 that would open up the legislature and governor's office to public records laws.

Why it matters

This battle over legislative audits highlights the ongoing tension between the executive and legislative branches in Massachusetts, as well as broader questions about government transparency and accountability. The outcome could have significant implications for the public's ability to scrutinize the activities of their elected representatives.

The details

DiZoglio has been fighting to audit the state legislature, arguing that the legislature audits the executive branch but resists efforts to provide oversight in return. Voters overwhelmingly backed a 2024 ballot question giving DiZoglio's office the authority to audit the legislature, but legislative leaders have questioned the constitutionality of that measure. DiZoglio has taken the issue to the state's Supreme Judicial Court, but the Attorney General has intervened, arguing that only her office can initiate such a lawsuit. DiZoglio says the Attorney General is more interested in defending the legislative leaders than enforcing the law.

  • Voters backed a ballot question in 2024 giving the state auditor authority to audit the legislature.
  • DiZoglio has elevated the issue to the Supreme Judicial Court in 2026.

The players

Diana DiZoglio

The Massachusetts State Auditor who is fighting to audit the state legislature despite pushback from legislative leaders.

Andrea Joy Campbell

The Massachusetts Attorney General who has intervened in DiZoglio's lawsuit, arguing that only her office can initiate such a case.

Massachusetts Legislature

The state legislature that has questioned the constitutionality of the 2024 ballot measure giving the state auditor authority to audit their activities.

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What they’re saying

“This is long overdue.”

— Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor (nbcboston.com)

“That's an excuse. The legislature audits the executive branch, but when the executive branch tries to provide a check back on the legislature they say, no, no, an audit for thee but not for me.”

— Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor (nbcboston.com)

“We are asking the attorney general to enforce the law, but she's instead actually just submitted a letter to the SJC asking the court to dismiss our case from court on behalf of the Speaker of the House. We're very troubled by this, we just want our day in court to get the law enforced.”

— Diana DiZoglio, Massachusetts State Auditor (nbcboston.com)

What’s next

DiZoglio is also working on a new ballot question for November 2026 that would open up the legislature and governor's office to public records laws, in case the court rules against her current effort to audit the legislature.

The takeaway

This ongoing battle over legislative audits in Massachusetts highlights the broader tensions between the executive and legislative branches, as well as the public's desire for greater government transparency and accountability. The outcome of this dispute could have significant implications for the balance of power in the state and the ability of citizens to scrutinize their elected representatives.