Mass. psychedelics referendum infighting: two former staffers allege campaign finance violations by the Yes on 4 committee

Massachusetts referendum committee behind the unsuccessful 2024 vote on legalizing psychedelics faces campaign finance law allegations after two former staffers filed complaints with state regulators. The complaints allege the committee failed to report nonprofit-backed spending tied to TV ads and college outreach, as well as $16,000 in campaign bonuses paid through a New York nonprofit. The article highlights a key regulatory gap: ballot question committees face different disclosure rules than candidate races, while nonprofits can take ballot positions as long as spending fits certain limits. It also notes lawmakers are considering changes to improve transparency, and that other groups linked to the campaign, including a Massachusetts public education effort and additional contractors, are now under scrutiny.