People, Power, and Politics

After several days of fielding criticism about the move behind the scenes, Gov. Maura Healey on Friday named the state's top hospital lobbyist to a position at the regulatory agency that oversees virtually all major health care decisions -- including those directly affecting his clients -- in Massachusetts. Healey appointed six people to the Health Policy Commission's board of directors, including Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association President Steve Walsh, (above) punctuating a flood of hand-wringing from business leaders, health care advocates and other segments of the industry worried about a potential conflict of interest. The Healey administration defended the selection of Walsh, saying he fulfills a statutory requirement for a member of the HPC's board to come from a hospital background. Other board seats intended to represent segments of the health care world went to a Biogen executive and the former chief financial officer of two major insurers' parent company.

FRANKLIN

New
Town Website Does Not Support “Cut and Paste” of calendar
entries. Go to https://franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx
However, Steve Sherlock from Franklin Matters has compiled and and
shared the below information. Thanks Steve!

Calling out around the Town

Are you ready for a brand-new heat

Summer's here and the time is right

Talkin’ ‘bout zoning along the street https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HasaQvHCv4w

Or is it?

The outlook for current and future meetings concern hot topics around housing developments and zoning approvals for future developments. All in an attempt to address our housing issues. With apologies to David Bowie & Mick Jagger for redoing the lyrics of their Live-Aid performance of “Dancin’ in the street”

Yes, affordability is a key factor and due to both Federal and State regulations, there is little we, in Franklin, have direct control over for affordability.

We do have control over our zoning however. We can continue to keep multiple variances required for every project to ensure local control remains in the hands of the Planning Board, ZBA and others in the approval process.

Or we can consider crafting the regulations to enable more ‘by right’ approvals. Clearly these changes would be within reason, and should be more reasonable than we have today.

Be part of the process by watching the Planning board and ZBA meetings this week. The next Council meeting will also take up the ‘friendly 40b’ policy again. It was tabled for future discussion during last week’s lengthy and only July Council meeting.

The Town Council August 13 meeting likely will also be lengthy as it is the only one for this summer month.

*** Meeting schedule and agendas as of Town page 7/25/25, 10:00 PM

Planning Board Meeting

Monday, July 28 Time: 7:00 PM

https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07282025-1833

Massachusetts Strategic Health Group Meeting

Tuesday, July 29 Time: 1:00 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07292025-1836

Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Meeting

Thursday, July 31 Time: 7:30 PM

https://ma-franklin.civicplus.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_07312025-1830

*** Looking back at the week that was ***

The major meeting of the week was the single JUly meeting for the Town Council. It was a lengthy one consuming almost 5 hours. The recap, video and audio of the meeting is available.

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2025/07/town-council-spends-almost-5-hours_26.html

For all the meetings and cultural events, check out the calendar at Franklin.news where each day, that day's events are posted on the top of the page, the TV and radio schedules are on the bottom, and all the other goodness falls in-between.

Town calendar -> https://www.franklinma.gov/Calendar.aspx

Community calendar -> https://bit.ly/FranklinCommunityCalendar

Subscribe for the daily dose of information -> https://www.franklinmatters.org/p/welcome.html

Subscribe for the weekly dose of information -> https://www.franklinmattersweekly.org/p/subscribe-for-email.html

MEDWAY

Medway’s
new website, likewise, does not readily support cut and paste. Go to
medwayma.gov

STATE
HOUSE and BEYOND

The House and Senate appear on track next week to break from their weekly formal sessions for their summer recess, which is a tradition but not a requirement of their legislative calendar. The pause in action will facilitate August vacation plans, but the main question as July winds down is whether Democrats will get any major legislation to Gov. Maura Healey's desk before they break. Big spending bills (H 4265 / S 2540) and legislation safeguarding reproductive and gender identity care (H 4294 / S 2543) have cleared each branch in different forms and could find their way to the executive suite if Democrats can compromise and settle differences. The supplemental budgets have been pending before a six-person conference committee for about 10 days, and do not feature funding to address an unfolding crisis regarding the rights of criminal defendants to have legal representation if they can't afford it. A pay-related strike by so-called bar advocates who handle such cases began in May and has recently led to the dismissal of cases against defendants, and it appears more dismissals are likely unless the Legislature intervenes with a funding solution. It's unclear whether lawmakers intend to try to use pending spending bills as a vehicle for a fix, especially since top Democrats appear irked that attorneys have resorted to not taking cases to protest pay levels that they say are well below rates in other states. "Victims are left waiting. Cases are stalled. Communities are put at risk. Justice is denied," Boston Bar Association President Matt McTygue said Friday, offering his assessment of the current situation. "We call on the Legislature, the Governor, and bar advocate representatives to act immediately and collaboratively. A swift and fair resolution is essential — not only to get the wheels of justice moving again, but to finally address the chronic underinvestment in indigent defense that brought us to this moment. This cannot wait. The integrity of our justice system demands it."

The vast majority of legislation remains pending before legislative committees, but the first six-plus months of the two-year session has featured the advancement of bills in the House and Senate addressing debt collection (S 2559), transportation funding (H 4307), cannabis industry regulation (H 4206), archaic laws (S 2564), and jurisdiction in child custody cases (S 2550). The Senate on Thursday plans to pass legislation (S 2561) largely banning student use of cellphones in classrooms. Those bills appear unlikely to be enacted before the recess, barring a sudden surge of cross-branch activity and cooperation. The House and Senate in recent weeks have begun to more quietly move legislation, including local bills, and that activity is expected to continue during the lightly attended informal sessions that will unfold in August and likely into early September. Spending bills may also advance during informals if there's unanimous consent. The House plans to hold a formal session on Wednesday, and potentially another one on Thursday.

Sunday, July 27, 2025

ANALYSTS ON KELLER: Beacon Hill reporters Gintautus Dumcius and Kelly Garrity join political analyst Jon Keller's weekly "Keller at Large" talk show. They plan to discuss the race between Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Josh Kraft, the impact of Donald Trump on local politics, the drinking culture at the State House and more. (Sunday, 8:30 a.m., WBZ-TV)

MOULTON ON NBC: Congressman Seth Moulton sits down with NBC10 reporter Matt Prichard for an interview. (Sunday, 9:30 a.m., NBC 10)

CLARK ON OTR: House Minority Whip Katherine Clark joins WCVB's weekly "On the Record" political talk show. (Sunday, 11 a.m., WCVB)

MTA SUMMER CONFERENCE: Massachusetts Teachers Association, the largest education union in the state, holds its 2025 summer conference Sunday through Wednesday. Workshops include those on union skills and leadership, anti-oppression education and professional development. Monday is dedicated as "Community Schools Day" and Tuesday as "Higher Ed Day." New members, "next generation leaders" and new presidents will receive special programming. Participants will be able to earn an MTA Bargaining Certificate, graduate credit or professional development points. Sunday keynote speakers include philosopher and political activist Cornel West and author and activist Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor; Maurice Mitchell, national director of the Working Families Party, is slated to speak Wednesday. (Sunday, 11 a.m., UMass Amherst | Agenda and More Info)

Monday, July 28, 2025

CIVIL RIGHTS IN THE NEW TRUMP ERA: MASSterList and State House News Service host Civil Rights and Liberties in the New Trump Era, a conversation with advocates and policy experts on the outlook for civil rights in Massachusetts. Boston Globe columnist Marcela Garcia will moderate a conversation with Tatum Pritchard, director of litigation at the Disability Law Center; Jeff Thielman, president and CEO of the International Institute of New England; Joshua Rovenger, legal director of GLAD Law; and Gladys Vega, president and CEO of La Colaborativa. (Monday, 8 a.m., MCLE Conference Center, 10 Winter Place, Boston | Register)

ARCHITECTURAL ACCESS: Architectural Access Board meets. The incoming case review includes properties in Boston, Hudson, Norwood, Arlington, Braintree and Springfield. (Monday, 9 a.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

CONTINUING CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES HEARING: Special Commission on Continuing Care Retirement Communities, created through the 2024 long-term care law, holds its seventh meeting. Their first meeting was held in March. The commission oversees long-term care retirement communities, including their care contracts, financial viability and impact on consumers. The commission examines regulatory oversight, entrance fee policies, and procedures for closure or ownership changes. (Monday, 10 a.m. | Livestream)

NATICK BRIDGE IMPROVEMENTS: Senate President Spilka speaks at the groundbreaking of the bridge replacement and interchange improvements at Route 27/9 in Natick. (Monday, 10 a.m., Natick | RSVP to Gray.Milkowski@masenate.gov)

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission meets and will continue to work towards a vote on long-awaited regulations for establishments where adults could use legal cannabis in a social setting. In addition to the usual assortment of licensing matters, commissioners will also dive into the latest draft of social consumption regulations. An additional meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, if it is necessary for commissioners to finish their work. Because the CCC has only three members currently, it will take a unanimous vote to approve the regulations. (Monday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

BOSTON HEALTH GRANTS: Boston Mayor Wu announces $5 million in grants to be awarded to four community-led organizations, with the aim of improving residents' health. She's joined by Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Bisola Ojikutu and Dr. Ann Hwang, president of Atrius Health Equity Foundation. (Monday, 10:30 a.m., The Great Hall at Codman Square Health Center, 6 Norfolk St., Dorchester)

HOUSE: House meets in an informal session. (Monday, 11 a.m., House Chamber | Livestream)

SENATE: Senate meets without a calendar. (Monday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber | Livestream)

CABO VERDEAN INDEPENDENCE: A celebration is held to recognize 50 years of Cabo Verdean independence. The event, which includes food and music, is hosted by Sen. Miranda, the Portuguese American Legislative Caucus and the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus. (Monday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

MEDICARE & MEDICAID ANNIVERSARY: U.S. Rep. Neal celebrates the 60th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson signing the Medicare and Medicaid Act into law. Johnson signed the law on July 30, 1965 to create Medicare for the elderly and Medicaid for low-income individuals and families. President Donald Trump signed a law this month that makes major federal cuts to Medicaid. (Monday, 11 a.m., Life Care Center of Wilbraham, 2399 Boston Road, Wilbraham)

VETERANS QUALITY OF LIFE: Veterans Quality of Life Commission meets. Members plan to discuss next steps on caregivers, family life, elderly veterans, suicide prevention, transportation and access to health care. They'll also discuss potential recommendations. (Monday, 1 p.m. | Agenda and Livestream)

MENTAL HEALTH COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery holds a hearing on 17 bills dealing with workforce issues, studies and commissions. Sen. Comerford and Rep. Domb have legislation (S 1385 / H 2205) to expand loan repayment assistance for primary care physicians. Other bills on the agenda deal with access to mental health services and behavioral health workforce issues. (Monday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Access)

DPH HEARING: Department of Public Heath holds a public hearing on a proposed rate increase for the Architectural Plan Review, which involves the review of construction documents for new health care facilities, as well as renovations to existing facilities. DPH will be taking on additional review work due to a 2024 long-term care law allowing for small house nursing homes, officials say. DPH wants to raise the fee from $8.25 to $10.50 for every $1,000 of construction costs, though the current minimum of $1,500 is not being updated. (Monday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

BIG THREE MEETING: Gov. Healey, Lt. Gov. Driscoll, Senate President Spilka and House Speaker Mariano meet in a closed-door meeting. A press availability will follow. (Monday, 2 p.m., Speaker's Office, Press availability in Room 350)

BOSTON POLICE DETECTIVE: Rep. MacGregor hosts a ceremony to honor Boston Police Detective Melvin Ruiz. MacGregor's office says Ruiz "helped avert a potentially deadly situation in West Roxbury earlier this year." Ruiz noticed suspicious behavior from a man who ran a red light, called for backup and ultimately helped recover a "loaded AR-15 rifle, high-capacity magazines, a Byrna CO2 pistol, and fentanyl from the suspect." Attendees include Mayor Wu, Sen. Rush, City Councilor Weber and Boston Police members. (Monday, 2 p.m., Area E-5 Police Station, 1708 Centre St., West Roxbury)

CELLPHONE AMENDMENTS: Deadline for Senate amendments to a Ways and Means redrafted bill (S 2561) to largely ban cellphone use in the classroom. (Monday, 2:30 p.m.)

LGBTQ YOUTH: Executive Committee of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth meets. (Monday, 5 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

Tuesday, July 29, 2025

CANNABIS COMMISSION: Cannabis Control Commission has scheduled a meeting in case it is necessary for commissioners to finish debate expected Monday on long-awaited regulations for establishments where adults could use legal cannabis in a social setting. Discussion, review and a potential vote are the only matters on the agenda, along with discussion of the regulatory timeline. (Tuesday, 10 a.m., Agenda and Access Info)

LOTTERY COMMISSION: State Lottery Commission meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. | Contact (781) 9917-6057 or email gpolin@masslottery.com) for access)

VETERANS INC. VISIT: Rep. McGonagle, House chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs, and other House members tour Veterans Inc. in Worcester. Veteran's Inc. is the largest services provider for veterans and their families in New England and provides addiction recovery and behavioral health services, housing assistance and unemployment programing. Reps. Kane and Mahoney are also scheduled to attend. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Tour starts at Independence Hall, 59 South St., Shrewsbury and concludes at Veteran's Inc headquarters at 69 Grove St., Worcester)

CARLISLE FLAG RAISING: Flag-raising ceremony for the Carlisle town flag. Local officials say the event marks the "very first time" that the flag will appear in the Great Hall of Flags. Local and state officials give remarks, and the Carlisle Minutemen will also be on hand. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Great Hall)

EMERGING FIREARM TECHNOLOGY: Special Commission on Emerging Firearm Technology meets. Agenda includes a review and votes on the draft final report. (Tuesday, 11 a.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

COLA COMMISSION: Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission's Special COLA Commission meets. (Tuesday, 11 a.m. | More Info)

RENT CONTROL RALLY: Hundreds of tenants rally before a hearing of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government on legislation to allow cities and towns in Massachusetts to limit rent increases to the rate of inflation, with a cap at 5%. Buses have been organized to bring residents to the State House from western Massachusetts, the North Shore, central Massachusetts, and the South Coast, according to Homes for All Massachusetts, which is helping to organize the rally. Representatives from SEIU and local housing advocacy groups also plan to attend. (Tuesday, 11:30 p.m., State House steps)

NCSL IN BOSTON PREVIEW: State Affairs and Pluribus News host a webinar to preview the National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit coming to Boston from Aug. 4-6. Pluribus News editor Reid Wilson and NCSL CEO Tim Storey will unpack key themes to watch. (Tuesday, 12 p.m., Register)

ENERGY AND UTILITIES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy holds a hearing on offshore wind, clean energy and energy storage bills. At a time when the state has struggled to bring offshore wind projects to fruition, Rep. Antonio Cabral of New Bedford has a bill (H 3454) to increase the state's offshore wind generation capacity target from 5,600 megawatts to 8,000 megawatts and establish a requirement to secure 5,600 MW of offshore wind capacity by Dec. 31, 2026. Massachusetts has so far secured about 800 MW of offshore wind power since 2016. A few bills on the agenda deal with nuclear energy, which Gov. Healey has proposed to make a more significant part of the state's energy strategy. Sen. Cronin proposes (S 2258) the creation of a special commission to examine the specific advantages of incorporating nuclear energy into the state's energy mix, alongside assessing the associated challenges, risks, and economic impacts. That commission would be required to report by Dec. 1, 2026. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-1 | Agenda and Access)

JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY: Joint Committee on the Judiciary on about 60 bills focused on civil matters. Bills from Rep. Reid and Sen. Lovely (H 1948 / S 1167) would install safeguards in product testing facilities for "nonhuman primates," including African green monkeys, spider monkeys and capuchin monkeys. A proposal from Rep. Howitt (H 1764) would establish an animal abuse registry. Legislation from Sen. Robyn Kennedy (S 1147) would create a pathway to civil remedies for victims of economic abuse caused by family members or household members. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Room A-2 | Agenda and Livestream)

MUNICIPALITIES COMMITTEE: Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government holds a hearing on bills dealing with municipal finance, zoning, housing and home rule petitions. The agenda includes bills related to the multifamily zoning requirements of the MBTA Communities Act, legislation that mirrors unsuccessful efforts Republicans made to alter the law that affects more than 175 communities in the eastern part of the state. House Minority Leader Jones has bills to extend the law's requirements to all cities and towns (H 2292), to allow municipalities to appeal the law's zoning provisions (H 2291), and to provide for retroactive housing compliance under the law (H 2295), among others. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., Gardner Auditorium | Agenda and Access)

ELEVATOR REGS: Board of Elevator Regulations meets. Agenda includes matters in Westfield, Amherst, Boston and Winthrop. (Tuesday, 1 p.m., 1 Federal St., 6th floor, Boston | Agenda and Livestream)

SEAL, FLAG, MOTTO COMMISSION: Massachusetts Seal, Flag and Motto Advisory Commission meets. Agenda includes a review of submissions and commissioner feedback. (Tuesday, 1:30 p.m. | Agenda and Zoom)

SALEM STREET RECONSTRUCTION: MassDOT holds a virtual design public hearing about the proposed Bridge Street reconstruction project in Salem. (Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. | More Info and Access)

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP SYMPOSIUM: Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership hosts a MetroWest Symposium about employee ownership models, funding, resources and experiences. Speakers include U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy District Director Ili Spahiu, MassCEO Interim Director Kevin Kuros and 495/MetroWest Partnership Executive Director Jason Palitsch. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., College Center Alumni Room, Framingham State University | RSVP and Agenda)

GSEP RISK ASSESSMENT: Department of Public Utilities' GSEP Risk Assessment Working Group holds its third technical session. The task force is helping with development of a "more comprehensive risk-prioritization strategy." Members are evaluating advanced leak repair and relining methods, and how those technologies should be incorporated in GSEP filings. (Wednesday, 9 a.m., 1 South Station, Third floor, Boston | More Info)

FACILITIES ASSESSMENT SUBCOMMITTEE: Massachusetts School Building Authority holds a Facilities Assessment Subcommittee meeting with plans to hear district presentations and staff updates. Contact Claire.Lerner@massschoolbuildings.org for call-in information and instructions. (Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. | Agenda)

COLLEGIATE SUMMER BALL HITS LOWELL: The Futures Collegiate Baseball League and UMass Lowell will announce plans and sign a letter of intent to bring a seventh team to the league in May 2026. The new summer collegiate baseball team will play home games at LeLacheur Park in Lowell and compete against the league's six existing New England teams. UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Futures League Commissioner Joe Paolucci, and city and state officials are expected to attend. Media interested in attending contact Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., LeLacheur Park, Lowell)

LGBTQ YOUTH DAY: Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Youth hosts LGBTQ+ Youth Day on the Hill. Attendees will meet with lawmakers and share their priority issues. (Wednesday, 10 a.m., Great Hall)

HOUSE FORMAL: House plans to meet in a formal session. Speaker Mariano's office did not disclose an agenda for the session, but said roll call votes would begin at 1 p.m. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

SENATE DEM CAUCUS: Senate Democrats caucus, ahead of Thursday's formal session to debate a bill to ban students from using their cellphones during the school day. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Senate President's Office and Virtual)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Lauren Greene to the District Court. Greene serves as clerk magistrate of the Stoughton District Court. (Wednesday, 11 a.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

PRIMARY CARE TASK FORCE: Primary Care Task Force's Workforce Workgroup meets. (Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. | More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL: Governor's Council meets, and could vote to confirm Joanna Rodriguez to the District Court and Emily Karstetter to the Superior Court. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

MASSDOT BOARD: MassDOT Board of Directors meets. (Wednesday, 12 p.m., 10 Park Plaza, MassDOT Board Room, Boston | Agenda and More Info)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of trial lawyer Hector Zumbado to the District Court. Zumbado runs a solo practice that's focused on criminal defense and personal injury cases in Boston. (Wednesday, 1 p.m., Council Chamber | Livestream)

BPL ESSENTIALS: Boston Office of Returning Citizens hosts a workshop with Boston Public Library staff about library "essentials." Attendees will get help signing up for new library cards and learn about programs and services. (Wednesday, 1:30 p.m., 30 Dimock St., Boston | Register)

GOLDBERG-HEALEY MEETING: Treasurer Goldberg and Gov. Healey sit down for a meeting. (Wednesday, 2 p.m., Treasurer's Office, Room 227)

HEAD OF THE CHARLES STRATEGIC PLAN: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds a virtual public meeting about its progress on the Head of the Charles Regatta Strategic Plan. Officials say they want input on ways to "minimize impact to the landscape, and develop recommendations for future parkland improvements that will enable the Reservation and Regatta to thrive." The race is slated for October. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | More Info)

BOSTON CLIMATE ACTION PLAN: Boston city officials host a virtual public meeting about the 2030 Climate Action Plan, which explores how to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster climate resiliency, and ensure all residents benefit from climate actions Officials say the city will release a second draft of the plan, which covers 2026-2030, in the fall, followed by a final plan in early 2026. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

DISABILITY POLICY CONSORTIUM: Disability Policy Consortium holds an open board of directors meeting. Members will discuss progress made over the past year. DPC will honor 1199 SEIU with the Excellence in Advocacy Award, in recognition of union members' advocacy surrounding personal care attendants. Rep. O'Day delivers the keynote address. (Wednesday, 6 p.m. | Register)

Thursday, July 31, 2025

HEALTH CARE FOR ALL: Massachusetts Hospital Association hosts Health Care For All Executive Director Amy Rosenthal for a one-on-one conversation with MHA President and CEO Steve Walsh. (Thursday 8 a.m. | Register)

RETIREMENT BOARD: Massachusetts State Retirement Board meets. Treasurer Goldberg chairs the meeting. (Thursday, 10 a.m. | For access email MSRBCommunications@tre.state.ma.us)

SENATE FORMAL SESSION: Senate meets in a formal session to deliberate and vote on legislation (S 2561) that would largely ban cellphone use during the school day -- with some exceptions, including when electronic devices are needed to treat health conditions. As students spend more time on their devices, Senate Ways and Means Chair Mike Rodrigues told reporters Thursday that lawmakers have heard from "a lot" of parents, educators and community members who want to crack down on classroom distractions. "Twenty-five other states, I believe, have instituted some sort of cellphone ban," Rodrigues said. "I commend the Senate president, I commend Sen. Lewis for really taking the time of drafting and filing and working on a bill that comprehensively looks at it, creates a number of exemptions for emergency purposes," Rodrigues said. It will likely be the last formal Senate session "for a little while," Rodrigues said, as the branch enters into the traditional August recess. (Thursday, 11 a.m., Senate Chamber)

POTENTIAL HOUSE FORMAL: Speaker Mariano's office informed representatives to be prepared for a potential formal session but did not say what might be under consideration. If the House does not meet in a formal session, it is still expected to hold an informal one. (Thursday, 11 a.m., House Chamber)

NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FORUM: National Caucus of Environmental Legislators hosts its annual national forum from Thursday through Saturday. The forum is an event for "over 150 environmentally-committed state legislators from across the country to network, discuss a wide variety of environmental issues and develop a proactive agenda for environmental, clean energy and conservation policy in the states," according to organizers. Thursday features two pre-forum events, one for New England legislators called "Building the Grid of the Future" and one for West Coast legislators called "Ocean Challenges and Opportunities." The Friday agenda includes sessions about sustainable agriculture, PFAS, resilient coasts and grid policies. Saturday's agenda features sessions about affordable housing and the built environment, transportation and messaging strategies. A preview for the National Conference for State Legislatures is also slated for Saturday. (Thursday, 11:30 a.m., Westin Copley Place, Boston | Agenda)

OCCUPANCY CODE: Occupancy Code Committee of the Department of Fire Services meets. (Thursday, 1 p.m. | More Info and Access)

HEATING AID THREATS: Congressman McGovern joins MASSCAP and the Worcester Community Action Council for a press conference about prospective cuts to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Community Services Block Grant program. Organizers say the event is the first in a series of press conferences over the coming months. (Thursday, 2 p.m., Walnut Wing Conference Room, 18 Chestnut St., Worcester)

GOVERNOR'S COUNCIL HEARING: Governor's Council holds a hearing on Gov. Healey's nomination of Thomas Townsend to the Superior Court. He's served as chief of the appellate division of the Northwestern District Attorney's Office since 2011. (Thursday, 6 p.m., Western New England School of Law, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Moot Courtroom, Springfield | Livestream)

FAMILY ADVISORY COUNCIL: Department of Early Education and Care holds an information session on getting involved in the new Family Advisory Council as a "Design Team" member. The council will work to bolster family involvement by incorporating parent and caregiver perspectives. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

BROOK FARM HISTORIC SITE: Department of Conservation and Recreation holds an informational meeting and public listening session as officials prepare a Resource Management Plan for Brook Farm Historic Site in West Roxbury. The property has 179 acres of fields, woodlands and wetlands. (Thursday, 6 p.m. | More Info and Zoom)

NORTH ADAMS BRIDGE: MassDOT holds a design public hearing dealing with a bridge preservation project in North Adams. (Tuesday, 6 p.m., North Adams City Hall, Council Chamber, 10 Main St., North Adams | More Info)

Friday, Aug. 1, 2025

NEW BROKERS FEE LAW: The new law meant to prevent renter-paid broker's fees goes into effect. Part of the fiscal year 2026 budget signed in July, lawmakers and Gov. Maura Healey agreed that whichever party reaches out to the broker will have to pay their fee, a change intended to ensure that fees are not passed onto renters who often find listings online by themselves. Healey has flatly said that the new law "will ban renter-paid broker's fees." Section 43 of the new state budget states: "A licensed broker or salesperson may solely contract with a prospective tenant to find rental residential real property for a tenant and present an offer to lease to the landlord or landlord's agent and negotiate on behalf of the tenant or may solely contract with a landlord or landlord's agent to find a tenant for a property. Any fee shall only be paid by the party, lessor or tenant who originally engaged and entered into a contract with the licensed broker or salesperson." Small landlords oppose the idea, and rallied on July 23 to criticize the new law.