Key facts
- The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court blocked a rent control ballot measure.
- The measure was intended to appear before voters in November.
- The court cited a religious exemption within the proposal as unconstitutional.
- The unconstitutional clause violates the state's constitution.
- The rent control ballot measure will not be on the November ballot.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that a ballot question aimed at reinstating rent control will not be presented to voters in November. The court's decision hinges on a religious exemption clause within the proposed measure, which it found to be unconstitutional under the Massachusetts Constitution. This ruling effectively removes the rent control question from the upcoming ballot, preventing citizens from voting on the measure. The specific details of the religious exemption and its conflict with state constitutional law were central to the court's determination. The court's decision means that the debate over rent control in Massachusetts will not be decided by voters this election cycle.