Mass. Bill Would Require Presidential Candidates to Release Tax Returns

What’s the story?

A ballot initiative in Massachusetts would require presidential candidates to publicly release six years of tax returns in order to appear on the state’s ballot.

The initiative was certified on Wednesday, meaning backers can now begin collecting signatures for the measure to appear on an upcoming ballot.

At the same time, Massachusetts state lawmakers held a hearing on a bill that would also require presidential candidates to release their tax returns to get on the state ballot. Candidates for vice president would have the same requirement.

Why does it matter?

"This bill is not about Donald Trump. It’s because of Donald Trump."

The quote comes from William Galvin, the Democratic secretary of state, during testimony about the bill. Galvin is referring to Trump breaking decades of tradition by refusing to release his tax returns during the 2016 presidential race.

Senator Michael Barrett, the bill’s Democratic sponsor, acknowledged that laws requiring a release of tax records could be subject to lawsuits. As Reuters explained, "The U.S. Constitution sets out qualifications to become president, and critics could argue the state’s law would unconstitutionally do the same."

Galvin, however, testified that these laws could survive a legal challenge as states have a right to set conditions to get on their ballots.

"I don't think there's any doubt that the states have the right to proscribe conditions for access to the ballot. We do that all the time," Galvin said, noting that the state also requires Congressional candidates to collect a certain number of signatures to get on the ballot. "Adding this additional qualification of disclosure is just one more question of access to the ballot."

Similar bills are pending in 24 states. In 2016, New Jersey lawmakers passed legislation requiring presidential candidates to disclose their tax returns, but it was vetoed by Gov. Chris Christie.

What do you think?

The Constitution says there are only three requirements to be elected president: The Commander in Chief must be a "natural born citizen," at least 35 years old and a resident within the U.S. for 14 years. However, states do have the right to create conditions to get on the ballot. Should releasing tax returns be one of them? Hit the Take Action button, tell your state reps, then comment below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: @realDonaldTrump via Twitter)

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