The Role of the Council

The Governor's Council advises and consents on major executive decisions in Massachusetts. Its powers are embedded in the state constitution, but its influence is often overlooked. The Council plays a direct role in the appointment of judges, appointment of Parole Board members, the approval of pardons and commutations, the selection of key state board members, and the authorization of treasury warrants. Each of these roles shapes the lives of Massachusetts residents in ways that are both immediate and long-lasting.

The Governor's Council must confirm all judicial nominees before they can take the bench. Judges in Massachusetts are appointed for life, so each confirmation has generational impact. Before nominees reach the Council, they go through two vetting bodies:

  • The Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC), appointed by the governor, reviews applications, conducts interviews, and advances candidates who receive a two-thirds vote.

  • The Joint Bar Committee (JBC), run by the Massachusetts and Boston Bar Associations, evaluates nominees and rates them as "well-qualified," "qualified," "not qualified," or "insufficient information to evaluate."

Once a nominee reaches the Council, they must complete a questionnaire and attend a public hearing. These hearings are live-streamed and open to all. A majority vote is required for confirmation. The Lieutenant Governor may vote to break a tie.

Judicial Appointments

The Council also confirms appointments to the Parole Board. The Board conducts hearings and makes critical decisions on parole eligibility, reentry services, and victim support. These decisions determine the life course of incarcerated individuals.

There are seven members of the Parole Board, each of whom serves a five-year term.  The responsibilities of the Board include:  Holding hearings on parole requests, making recommendations on pardons and commutations, responding to requests to terminate parole, providing assistance to victims, and providing services to individuals returning to their communities through this process.

Parole Board

Additionally, the Council must approve any commutation or pardon issued by the governor.  When considering clemency, the Parole Board is known as the Advisory Board of Pardons.

  • A commutation reduces a sentence, often turning life without parole into life with the possibility of parole.

  • A pardon forgives a criminal offense and can help remove barriers to employment, housing, and education.

In both cases, petitions are first reviewed by the Advisory Board of Pardons (which is the Parole Board acting in a separate capacity). If the Board recommends clemency and the governor agrees, the Council holds a final hearing and votes on whether to confirm. These hearings are open to the public. A tie vote is broken by the Lieutenant Governor.

Advisory Board of Pardons

Other Powers & Responsibilities

The Council confirms appointments to some powerful state boards, like the Appellate Tax Board or Industrial Accident Board.  It also formally approves the weekly warrants allowing the state Treasurer to release funds. It’s mostly ceremonial, but technically a check on the executive branch’s spending, dating back to its original purpose.

The Governor's Council also approves appointments to state boards and commissions that have broad administrative power. These include:

  • Appellate Tax Board

  • Industrial Accident Board and Reviewing Board

  • Public Administrators

  • Clerk-Magistrates

  • Justices of the Peace and Notaries

Each role carries legal, financial, or civic responsibilities that affect how state government functions day to day.

One of the Council’s oldest and least known responsibilities is the approval of Treasury Warrants, the documents that authorize the state to release funds. Although largely procedural today, this duty reflects the Council’s origin as a check on executive spending.

The Governor’s Council meets weekly, and its hearings are open to the public. With decisions that impact the legal system, civil rights, state finance, and public accountability, the Council’s role is essential. Knowing what they do, and how to follow their votes, is one step toward a more transparent and participatory government.