BOSTON (WWLP) - In November, Massachusetts voters overwhelmingly decided the state auditor should have the authority to audit the House and the Senate. Now, in January, this law is officially in effect.   A dispute about the effective date of this law delayed its implementation over the last few months--the auditor and several lobbyist groups argued that the law took effect 30 days after Election Day, but the legislature and Massachusetts' election overseer both argued that it took effect 30 days after the results of the election were certified, on January 3. On the third, the auditor penned a follow-up letter once again requesting the records and meetings necessary to conduct her audit. The auditor told 22News that the clock is ticking for the 72-hour timeframe lawmakers have to submit requested documents before the auditor's office will take legal action. "Hopefully, House and Senate leadership will choose to respond to our office in a timely manner with responsive records," said Auditor Diana DiZoglio in a statement to 22News. Democratic leaders in the House and the Senate have long argued that this effort would violate the separation of powers clause of the Massachusetts Constitution, as the auditor is a member of the Executive branch. On Monday morning, the Senate created two temporary committees--one to improve transparency and another specifically to address the auditor's most recent letter and the alleged constitutional issues. The dispute about the validity of the law appears to have the debate headed for court, where the attorney general will need to weigh in on the constitutionality of the law and ensure it is properly implemented. Local News Headlines Cold weather may cause battery and tire issues Revenge porn law implemented in West Springfield Family homelessness on the rise in Massachusetts Springfield City Council sets goals for 2025 legislative year WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.