Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 12 JULY 2019

Ballot Question Fights Looming In 2020

Foley Hoag LLP
Explore more from Foley Hoag LLP

As a quick glance at any news outlet makes clear, the 2020 Election cycle is in full swing. While the early press coverage is already focusing on the large field of aspiring presidential nominees

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Andrew London
Andrew London
Author LinkedIn connections

As a quick glance at any news outlet makes clear, the 2020 Election cycle is in full swing. While the early press coverage is already focusing on the large field of aspiring presidential nominees barnstorming in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, by August 2019 Massachusetts voters will also get an early look at which state ballot questions will be seeking a spot on the November 2020 Massachusetts ballot.

Ballot questions play a key role in determining which issues voters are talking about in November and which voters go to the polls. In Massachusetts, there are three distinct ways voters can place a binding proposal on the state election ballot. We have discussed the different types of ballot questions in Massachusetts in more detail in a prior post.

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

View source

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

See more popular content from

Article

SBA Extends Deadline For Comments On Historic Overhaul Of Size Standards

The Small Business Administration has extended the comment period for two proposed rules that could dramatically reshape federal government contracting by significantly expanding the pool of entities eligible for small business set-aside procurements. With some size standard thresholds proposed to increase as much as tenfold, these changes would fundamentally alter the makeup of the small business contractor base.
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

D.C. Circuit Rules Pentagon Can Exclude Anthropic From Supply Chain

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit has ruled that the Department of War can exclude Anthropic from its supply chain under the Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act, finding that the AI company's ability to manipulate its Claude model creates a supply chain risk. This decision contrasts with an earlier California district court ruling that blocked a similar designation under a different statute, creating a complex legal landscape for AI providers and government contractors.
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP
Article

Tennessee 2026 Midterm Election Results: Blackburn Wins Governor’s Race Amid Congressional And Legislative Upsets

Tennessee's 2026 midterm elections brought unexpected shifts to the state's political landscape, with Marsha Blackburn winning the governorship by the narrowest margin in over a century and Democrats flipping six House seats despite Republican supermajority retention. The results set the stage for significant leadership changes and new policy priorities when the 115th General Assembly convenes in January 2027.
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Bass, Berry & Sims PLC
Article

State AG News: Consumer Fraud And Deceptive Practices (October 1-7, 2026)

State attorneys general across the nation are taking decisive legal action on multiple fronts, from challenging federal fuel economy rollbacks to pursuing pharmaceutical companies over misleading drug claims. This week's enforcement activities reveal coordinated multistate efforts alongside individual state actions targeting consumer protection, national security concerns, and social media platform accountability.
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Crowell & Moring LLP
Crowell & Moring LLP
Article

FMCSA MOTUS Implementation – Common Motor Carrier Concerns

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration launched MOTUS in May 2026, replacing legacy registration platforms and fundamentally changing how motor carriers, freight brokers, and surface freight forwarders handle operating authority applications and license maintenance. While designed to combat fraud and streamline registration activities, the transition has created significant user experience challenges that threaten operating authority status and customer relationships for transportation service prov
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff LLP
Article

BIOSECURE Act Update: Court Enjoins WuXi AppTec’s 1260H Designation, but Strategic and Compliance Clocks Keep Running

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia has preliminarily enjoined the Department of War from enforcing WuXi AppTec's Section 1260H designation, finding the agency misread its evidence on state and military affiliation. However, this ruling does not close alternative pathways to biotechnology company of concern (BCC) designation under the BIOSECURE Act, and earlier supply-chain restrictions continue to drive near-term compliance decisions with a critical June 30, 2027 deadline for sub-tier supp
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Greenberg Traurig
Greenberg Traurig
Article

California Requires Disclosure Of AI-Generated People In Advertising

California has enacted a groundbreaking AI disclosure law requiring advertisers to clearly identify when synthetic performers appear in their marketing materials. The legislation, set to take effect in 2027, includes a private right of enforcement that could potentially open the door to class action litigation against brands using AI-generated performers without proper disclosure.
United StatesMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Article

Virginia’s Initial Draft Of Adult-use Marijuana Regulations – What You Should Know And What Questions Remain

Virginia's Cannabis Control Authority has released its initial draft of adult-use marijuana regulations, outlining application fees, license caps, and the approval process for the state's anticipated July 2027 launch of recreational cannabis sales. While the draft provides crucial details on licensing requirements and ownership restrictions, significant questions remain about the application timeline and evaluation criteria that will determine which entities receive coveted permits.
United StatesConsumer Protection
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Article

Rising Cyberattacks On U.S. Water Infrastructure: Federal Guidance And Next Steps For Operators

Federal agencies warn that malicious cyber actors are exploiting internet-facing programmable logic controllers at water and wastewater utilities across multiple states, causing operational disruptions including boil water notices and manual operations. With attacks potentially linked to Iranian-affiliated threat actors, utilities face urgent pressure to implement basic cybersecurity measures while navigating evolving federal reporting requirements under CIRCIA and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
United StatesTechnology
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Article

FDA Holds Landmark Public Hearing On The Future Therapeutic Use Of Psychedelic Drugs

The FDA, in collaboration with federal partners, held a landmark public hearing on September 14, 2026, to gather input on the future therapeutic use of psychedelic drugs, drawing over 18,000 registered attendees. This hearing represents one of the earliest implementations of Executive Order 14401, which directs federal agencies to expedite research, review, and approval of psychedelic drugs for serious mental health conditions.
United StatesFood, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Article

OCC Proposes BSA/AML And Sanctions Compliance Standards For Permitted Payment Stablecoin Issuers Under The GENIUS Act

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has proposed new regulations that would impose Bank Secrecy Act and sanctions compliance requirements on permitted payment stablecoin issuers under its jurisdiction. This rulemaking, coordinated with FinCEN and OFAC, establishes anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing, and sanctions program standards for stablecoin issuers as part of the broader implementation of the GENIUS Act framework.
United StatesFinance and Banking
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Article

UPDATE: DEA Publishes Registration Applications For Medical Marijuana Manufacturers, Distributors, And Analytical Labs

The DEA has opened new registration portals for medical marijuana manufacturers, distributors, and analytical labs, expanding beyond the dispensary registration that became available earlier this year. These applications require extensive business information and background disclosures, with fees ranging from $296 to $3,699, and may provide significant compliance and commercial benefits for cannabis businesses operating under state medical marijuana programs.
United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP
Article

Federal Court Declares New Jersey's Cannabis Labor Peace Agreement Mandate Preempted By Federal Law: What Every Licensed Operator Needs To Know

A federal court in New Jersey has declared that state-mandated labor peace agreements for cannabis licensees are preempted by federal labor law, creating immediate questions for operators across the state. With the decision now under appeal to the Third Circuit and similar challenges advancing nationwide, licensed cannabis businesses must carefully evaluate their existing agreements and compliance obligations.
United StatesEmployment and HR
Foley Hoag LLP
Foley Hoag LLP