Implement data structure to support 'ballot questions' feature #2065
Description
Summary
A new data model and Firestore collection is needed to capture attributes which apply to ballot questions. This will enable all further features related to MAPLE supporting ballot questions with the same UX as bills. Some properties of a 'ballot question' are identical to a 'bill' and can be pulled directly from the mass.gov API, while others are not captured and will need to be added manually. With a limited number of initiative petitions which become ballot questions, this should be fine for an MVP.
Work Detail
- Frontend: None
- Backend:
- Create a new data model and implement using YAML files, a Firestore Collection, and script to sync them
- No changes to bill documents, bill imports, hearings, or testimony
Current State
- The concept of 'ballot questions' does not yet exist in MAPLE, though it exists in the mass.gov API
- Existing Firestore collection here
- Existing Firestore security rules here
Resources
- Sample data from mass.gov for 2026 ballot questions here