State House News Service: Land conservation, starter home questions clear signature hurdle

January 5, 2026 - Secretary of State Bill Galvin's office has certified two more initiative petitions dealing with conservation efforts and starter homes, bringing the total to 11 questions advancing toward the 2026 ballot.

The office said Monday that it had certified 89,216 signatures for an initiative that supporters say could steer up to $100 million annually toward land conservation and restoration work…

The conservation measure would direct sales tax revenue from sporting goods — such as golf clubs, RVs and camping gear — into a new fund. The $100 million projection stems from the $2.49 billion in sporting goods sales that the state recorded in 2022, according to coalition spokesperson Andrew Farnitano. The proposed question would also create an oversight board that would set rules on how the funding should be allocated.