State Auditor Division of Local Mandates – Boston, MA

About the Division of Local Mandates

The Division of Local Mandates (DLM) is a specialized unit within the Office of the State Auditor. Established to enforce the provisions of Proposition 2½, the Division acts as a safeguard for Massachusetts municipalities against unfunded state mandates. Its primary responsibility is to determine whether new state laws, regulations, or rules impose additional costs on cities and towns without providing the necessary state funding to cover those costs.

Key Functions and Services

The DLM serves local officials, legislators, and the public through several core activities:

• Mandate Determinations: Upon request from municipal leaders or legislative committees, the DLM reviews specific state laws to decide if they constitute an unfunded mandate. If a law is deemed unfunded, communities may be exempt from compliance.
• Municipal Impact Studies: The Division conducts research to assess the financial impact of proposed or existing state policies on local budgets.
• Cost Certification: The DLM certifies the costs associated with certain state-required activities, such as early voting, to ensure proper reimbursement to municipalities.

Access and Contact

While the State Auditor’s main office is in the State House, the Division of Local Mandates operates out of administrative offices in downtown Boston. Municipal officials seeking a determination or guidance on compliance costs can contact the Division directly. The office generally operates during standard state business hours.