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S 13

Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution requiring a supermajority vote for the utilization of rainy day funds

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Peter Durant and 1 co-sponsor

Massachusetts constitutional amendment would require supermajority legislative vote to withdraw from state stabilization fund, making emergency fiscal reserves harder to access during crises.

Joint session held and recessed to Wednesday, October 28, 2026
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Bill Summary · S 13

Legislative bill overview

S 13 proposes a constitutional amendment requiring a supermajority vote in the Massachusetts Legislature before any withdrawal from the state's rainy day fund (stabilization fund) can occur. This differs from current law, which typically allows withdrawals with a simple majority vote. The proposal has been pending since 2025 and remains in the early stages of the amendment process.

Why is this important

Rainy day funds serve as fiscal buffers during economic downturns or revenue shortfalls. Requiring a supermajority threshold would make it significantly harder to access these reserves, potentially forcing the state to make deeper budget cuts or raise revenues during crises. This represents a fundamental shift in how Massachusetts manages fiscal emergencies and could impact the state's ability to respond quickly to economic challenges or maintain services during recessions.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal flexibility vs. constraint: Supporters argue supermajority requirements prevent reckless spending; critics contend they reduce governmental agility during genuine emergencies when rapid action is needed
  • Political gridlock risk: In a divided legislature, a supermajority requirement could make fund access impossible even when broadly needed, potentially forcing harmful service cuts or tax increases instead
  • Fairness across economic cycles: The requirement may disproportionately burden future generations facing recessions, as current surpluses built during good times become harder to access when needed most

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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