As it stands, Massachusetts has some of the most restrictive beach access laws among the coastal states. Residents can purchase land right down to the low-tide line, leaving many beaches, including in popular tourism destinations like Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, privately owned and off limits to the general public.

The new poll comes as Republican hopefuls Mike Kennealy and Brian Shortsleeve have sharpened their attacks on the Democratic governor.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey defended her record from criticism from her two Republican challengers for governor

Governor Maura Healey is resurrecting a proposal at the center of a long-running legal dispute between wealthy property owners on Martha’s Vineyard that, if passed, could redefine when a beach in Massachusetts is considered public.

Migrant at Massachusetts shelter who allegedly raped and impregnated his 14-year-old daughter pleads guilty to sexual assault