October 30, 2025
Healey funds food banks to $8 mil. which is one day's worth of SNAP; Healey hangs wartime governors paintings (inspo?), young lifers granted parole, and 31 more
AI generated content reviewed by Jonathan Gerhardson. Code and prompts here: https://github.com/JonGerhardson/masshoLLM/ but today’s post uses slightly updated approach that I haven’t pushed yet because I’m still testing it. “V0.2” coming soon.
340 mass.gov URLs were parsed to create today’s briefing, sourced from https://github.com/JonGerhardson/massgovupdates/blob/main/daily_updates/2025-10-27.csv and mass.gov/api/v1/news
Quick update
In future updates I’m going to put more detailed information about the breakdown of page updates in this section. It is not always the case that an updated page actually contains new information, but sometimes the person who created the page includes the date. I log that separately form the sitemap date of update, and classify these as “new” if date = today or yesterday.
For today it looks like this:
34 items included in this briefing, parsed from 340 urls classified as follows:
New/updated content pages: 125
Press releases: 7
Meetings announcements: 5
questions/comments: jon.gerhardson@proton.me
The Massachusetts Logfiler v0.1
October 30, 2025
Top stories
Healey launches SNAP hub, funds food banks ahead of freeze
Governor Maura Healey launched a new SNAP Resource Hub at Mass.gov/SNAPFreeze and announced additional measures to support Massachusetts residents impacted by President Trump’s decision to freeze SNAP benefits starting November 1. Healey is advancing an additional $4 million in existing state budget funds for November to food banks, increasing the monthly aid to $8 million.
Over 1.1 million Massachusetts residents depend on $210 million in monthly federal funding from SNAP, approximately $7 million per day.
Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced earlier this week that her office has joined a class action suit against the Trump admin. over the cuts. https://www.mass.gov/news/ahead-of-november-1-snap-freeze-governor-healey-launches-new-snap-resource-hub
Healthy Incentives Program reports September 2025 update
The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) in Massachusetts provides state funds to SNAP households for purchasing fruits and vegetables at participating local farms, up to a monthly limit. For fiscal year 2026 to date, HIP has served 73,000 households, processed $5.4 million in incentives, and facilitated 252,000 transactions at over 560 vendor locations. Demographic data shows that 58% of HIP households include a recipient age 60 or older, 35% include clients with a disability, and 22% have a recipient under age 18. In September 2025, 3,412 SNAP households utilized HIP incentives for the first time. The program’s tiered monthly caps were restored to $40, $60, or $80 per household on September 1, 2025. https://www.mass.gov/doc/healthy-incentives-program-fact-sheet-september-2025-pdf/download
[Note: Unclear if these metrics may be impacted by the federal SNAP cuts.]
AG Campbell addresses Wage Transparency Law implementation, enforcement
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued a statement marking the effective date of certain employer obligations under the Wage Transparency Law. This law mandates employers with 25 or more employees to disclose salary ranges in job postings and protects employees’ right to inquire about salary ranges.
Campbell stated the law aims to improve transparency and reduce wage gaps, particularly for women and people of color.
Businesses that fail to comply with the law or retaliate against employees face enforcement actions by the AGO, including fines and civil citations. Employees who believe their rights have been violated are advised to file a complaint with the AGO.
AG Campbell leads 22-state coalition challenging federal education cuts
Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell filed amicus briefs supporting the Council for Opportunity in Education in two lawsuits challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s decisions to cut funding for federal programs for services like mentoring, tutoring, and college prep. Over 20,000 students benefited from $22 million in federal funding for the programs last year. The complaint alleges the Department of Education’s actions violate the U.S. Constitution and other laws. https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-leads-multistate-coalition-supporting-education-programs-threatened-by-federal-grant-cuts
Upcoming meetings
October 30, 2025
The Environmental Justice Council will meet at 6:30 PM at Virtual Meeting and Leominster City Hall Auditorium, 25 West St, Leominster, MA to discuss Discussion on Mass Save updates and MassEnviroScreen. Public comments will also be allotted.. https://www.mass.gov/doc/october-30-2025-ejc-meeting-22-notice-english/download
November 4, 2025
The Board of Elevator Regulations will meet at 1:00 PM at 1 Federal Street, 6th Floor Public Meeting Room 6026 Boston, MA. 02110-2012 to discuss Review multiple elevator variance requests (e.g., emergency doors, safety zones, hoistway landings), approve minutes, and conduct board business. https://www.mass.gov/doc/ber-agenda-11-4-25/download
November 6, 2025
The Board of Registration of Chiropractors will meet at 10:00 AM at Virtual Meeting to discuss Approval of agenda; Minutes; 2026 Board Dates; Compliance Monitoring report; Discussion of Draft Guidance for Waiver of Experience; Executive Session.. https://www.mass.gov/doc/chiropractors-board-meeting-agenda-11625-0/download
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Health Care Facility Licensure and Certification, has scheduled a virtual public hearing from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The hearing addresses a proposed change in ownership for Benjamin Healthcare Center in Boston, MA, by applicant Allaire Health Services. https://www.mass.gov/doc/notice-of-public-hearing-benjamin-healthcare-center-change-of-ownership/download
November 13, 2025
A MassDOT Public Information Meeting will meet at 6:00 PM at Haverhill City Hall 4 Summer St, Haverhill, MA 01830 to discuss Proposed replacement of I-495 and Industrial Avenue bridges in Haverhill-Methuen, including presentation, questions, and comments.. https://www.mass.gov/doc/massdot-meeting-flyer-haverhill-methuen-111325-spanish/download
Other updates by department
Massachusetts Probation Service
Governor Healey names Angelo Gomez Massachusetts Parole Board chair
Gov. Healey announced the designation of Angelo Gomez as the new Chair of the Massachusetts Parole Board. Gomez was elevated from his previous role as a Parole Board Member, to which Healey appointed him earlier this year.
“As a former parole officer and parole supervisor, I know how transformative the decisions of the Board can be, and I am committed to performing this work with balance, fairness and integrity as the guiding principles,” said Gomez. https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-elevates-angelo-gomez-to-parole-board-chair
Parole granted for four men given life sentences in youth, denied for 29-year-old offender
Shawn Shea was granted parole in a decision dated October 27, 2025, following a review hearing on May 27, 2025. Shea was 17 years old in 2007 at the time of the first-degree murder of 14-year-old Dymond McGowan. He was originally sentenced to life without the possibility of parole but became eligible following the 2013 SJC decision in Diatchenko v. District Attorney for the Suffolk District which found that life sentences for juveniles was unconstitutional.
The board’s decision noted his enrollment in the Tufts University Prison Initiative, completion of vocational programs, a low risk for recidivism assessment, and a strong re-entry plan. His release to a residential program is conditioned on completing the Tufts program. The Hampden County Assistant District Attorney testified in opposition to parole. https://www.mass.gov/doc/shawn-shea-life-sentence-decision-october-27-2025-0/download
Similar to Diatchenko, the Supreme Judicial Court’s 2024 decision in Commonwealth v. Mattis, deemed life sentences without parole unconstitutional for individuals aged 18 through 20 at the time of their offense were unconstitutional. Three incarcerated individuals eligible under Mattis were granted parole.
Zakariya Ibrahim-Bush was found guilty in 1994 of two counts of first-degree murder committed in 1991 when he was 19 years old, receiving two concurrent life sentences without the possibility of parole.
In their decision the board noted Ibrahim-Bush’s rehabilitation over 31 years of incarceration, participation in restorative justice programs, obtaining his GED and enrollment at Boston College, and a low risk for recidivism. https://www.mass.gov/doc/zakariya-ibrahim-bush-life-sentence-decision-october-27-2025/download
Rolando Rodriguez was convicted of first-degree murder and armed robbery in 1998 for the 1997 death of Kenia Melo, and initially sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. He was 18 at the time of the crime.
The board’s decision noted his “exceptionally low risk” assessment, completion of more than 50 rehabilitative programs, and minimal disciplinary reports. The decision considered opposition from the victim’s family and the Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney. https://www.mass.gov/doc/rolando-rodriguez-life-sentence-decision-october-23-2025/download
Marcus Edwards was granted parole effective after six months in lower security and transfer to a CRJ residential program. Edwards was incarcerated for 32 years after he was found guilty of two counts of first-degree murder, armed robbery, and possession of a firearm following a jury trial on June 21, 1994, when he was 20.
The board found Edwards to be at low risk for recidivism. Public testimony included support for parole and opposition from the Suffolk County Assistant District Attorney and a victim’s family member. https://www.mass.gov/doc/marcus-edwards-life-sentence-decision-october-23-2025/download
Massachusetts Parole Board denies William Brown’s parole request
The Parole Board on October 23, 2025, denied parole for William Brown, who pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2015 for the 2010 stabbing death of his wife, Sarin Chan when he was 29. https://www.mass.gov/doc/william-brown-life-sentence-decision-october-23-2025/download
Courts
SJC committee presents 2025 Adams Pro Bono Awards to five recipients The Supreme Judicial Court Standing Committee on Pro Bono Legal Services presented its annual Adams Pro Bono Publico Awards at a ceremony in the John Adams Courthouse on Tuesday, October 28. Supreme Judicial Court Associate Justice Elizabeth N. Dewar recognized two lawyers, Madeleine Rodriguez and Nigel Tamton; two law students, Omar Hajajra and Deepti Sailappan; and the Proskauer Rose law firm. Chief Justice Kimberly S. Budd and Committee Chair Ilana B. Gelfman spoke at the event. The committee also recognized attorneys, law students, and legal organizations who qualified for the Supreme Judicial Court Pro Bono Honor Roll. https://www.mass.gov/news/supreme-judicial-court-standing-committee-presents-2025-adams-pro-bono-publico-awards-to-lawyers-law-students-and-a-law-firm
Massachusetts Trial Court launches annual food and clothing drive
The Massachusetts Trial Court’s Annual Food Drive began today, collecting non-perishable food items and new or slightly used clothing. Collection bins are available at courthouses and Community Justice Support Centers, with the drive scheduled to run through December 31st. The initiative benefits charitable organizations and food pantries across the state. https://www.mass.gov/news/the-trial-court-cares-annual-food-drive-kicks-off-today
Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities
Massachusetts provides details on 5 Redlands Road family shelter operations, eligibility Updates were made to a frequently asked questions page about the 5 Redlands Road congregate family shelter site, which can serve up to 40 families. The site is designated for Massachusetts children and families experiencing homelessness due to circumstances like domestic violence, natural disaster, no-fault eviction, or unsafe living conditions.
An issuance of an occupancy permit is pending the outcome of the Boston Zoning Board of Appeals hearing, scheduled for October 28, but the page dated October 29 does not state the outcome. https://www.mass.gov/news/frequently-asked-questions-about-5-redlands-road
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Walden Pond announces November 2025 programs and activities Walden Pond State Reservation, managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, announced free public programs for November 2025. https://www.mass.gov/doc/walden-pond-sr-november-programs-2/download
Lawrence Heritage State Park announces November 2025 programs Lawrence Heritage State Park, managed by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, released its schedule of free public programs for November 2025.https://www.mass.gov/doc/lawrence-hsp-november-programs/download
Popes Island Marina lease area plan details public access A lease area plan prepared for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation outlines property at 86 Popes Island in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The plan identifies the locus as Lot 2 on New Bedford Assessor’s Map 60, encompassing approximately 8.30 acres to the Mean High Water mark. It details existing infrastructure, including floats, docks, a pump-out station, a pier, a facilities building, and parking lots. A field survey was conducted between September 23, 2025, and October 1, 2025. https://www.mass.gov/doc/rfp-2025-100-popes-island-marina-attachment-b-survey/download
Martha’s Vineyard Plan guides community food forest development The Martha’s Vineyard Food Forest Plan, published in 2025, serves as a guide for establishing and developing community food forests on Martha’s Vineyard. “”“In a changing coastal climate, a robust and resilient food system is critical for the health and security of our community. Transforming public landscapes into an island-wide network of perennial food forests will contribute to a stronger food system by diversifying our cultivation methods, diminishing barriers to equitable food access, and increasing local food production overall. In order to accomplish that vision, this plan aims to answer two questions: Where can we establish public food forests to maximize their benefits? And, how do we create them?”“” https://www.mass.gov/doc/marthas-vineyard-food-forest-plan/download
Department of Energy Resources
Grid Modernization Advisory Council releases 2026 workplan
The 2026 Workplan for the Grid Modernization Advisory Council (GMAC) details the council’s planned activities for the upcoming year. Established in August 2022 by “An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind,” GMAC’s purpose is to promote “least-cost investments” in the electric grid, explore investment alternatives, and enhance transparency in grid planning. (DOCX) https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-2026-gmac-workplan-v3-gmac-member-comments/download
Minutes The Grid Modernization Advisory Council’s equity group convened virtually on October 10, 2025, with Kathryn Wright as chair. https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-meeting-minutes-34/download
Minutes published from a Grid Modernization Advisory Council held a hybrid meeting on August 28, 2025, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Joanna Troy of the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources. https://www.mass.gov/doc/meeting-minutes-252/download
The Grid Modernization Advisory Council Equity Working Group held a virtual meeting on July 11, 2025, Electric distribution companies presented their plans for incorporating equity into Energy System Modernization Plan. https://www.mass.gov/doc/meeting-minutes-253/download
Proposed changes to passive house financing guidelines
The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources published proposed modifications to its Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy program’s technical guidelines for retrofit and new construction projects. The guidelines detail eligibility and requirements for energy and cost savings, covering retrofits, renewable energy systems, and new construction including new buildings, large additions, or changes of use. https://www.mass.gov/doc/draft-pace-technical-guideline-modification/download
Department of Labor Standards
DLS: Prevailing wage applies to Somerville modular housing offsite fabrication The Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) issued an opinion letter on October 28, 2025, determining that offsite fabrication of custom-made, prefabricated modular housing units for the Clarendon Hill Project in Somerville, MA, is subject to the Commonwealth’s prevailing wage laws. The DLS found that the offsite fabrication in Littleton, MA, for the Somerville Housing Authority’s redevelopment project constitutes “construction” and has a “significant connection” to the public works site. This determination followed a request from the Office of the Attorney General and a public hearing in June 2025. The DLS concluded that a specific Somerville Home Rule Petition “nullifies the provision of G.L. c. 149 § 44E(4),” which would typically exempt modular building manufacturing from prevailing wage for this particular project. https://www.mass.gov/doc/october-28-2025-opinion-letter/download
Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law topical outline revised October 2025 The Department of Labor Standards published an updated “Topical Outline of Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law,” for October 29, 2025. The document addresses various aspects of prevailing wage for construction, referencing M.G.L. C. 149, §§26-27D. It includes topics such as annual updates, applicability determinations, apprentices, and numerous job classifications. https://www.mass.gov/doc/prevailing-wage-topical-index/download
Governor’s Office
Governor Healey hangs Samuel Adams portrait, honors military governors Governor Maura Healey announced today that a portrait of former Governor Samuel Adams, a Founding Father and fourth Governor of Massachusetts, will now hang in her Ceremonial Office. This change is part of the 250th anniversary celebration of the American Revolution, known as MA250, honoring Adams’s and Massachusetts’ role in the nation’s founding. Additionally, portraits of Governors John Brooks, Benjamin Butler, and Paul Dever, who served in the military, will be displayed in the Governor’s Council Chamber. Governor Healey also relocated a gold frame, intended to inspire future leaders and give voice to the voiceless, to the Governor’s Reception Room. This idea stemmed from an essay submitted three years ago by high school and middle school students. https://www.mass.gov/news/governor-healey-hangs-portrait-of-governor-samuel-adams-in-ceremonial-office-in-celebration-of-ma250
Massachusetts Department of Revenue
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue has released numerous draft forms and instructions for the 2025 tax year, explicitly marked as DRAFT—DO NOT FILE and SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Search “draft-2025-form” or “draft-2025-schedule” in source csv for links.
Massachusetts State 911 Department
The Massachusetts State 911 Department is offering an online “How it Works” - NG911 Call Routing Workshop, for cops. https://www.mass.gov/doc/how-it-works-ng911-call-routing-application/download
Office of the Inspector General
Inspector General Shapiro urges Chapter 30B procurement law updates Inspector General Jeffrey S. Shapiro testified on October 28, 2025, before the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government regarding House 56, “An Act Empowering Municipalities and Local Governments.” https://www.mass.gov/doc/testimony-of-inspector-general-jeffrey-s-shapiro-regarding-house-56/download
Environmental
Massachusetts publishes October 2025 list of certified well drillers A document titled “Certified Drillers Oct. 2025” provides a list of certified well drillers. https://www.mass.gov/doc/list-of-certified-well-drillers/download
Massachusetts first quarter 2026 fuel excise rates announced Effective January 1, 2026, to March 31, 2026. Fuel types Gasoline and Special Fuels (Diesel) are listed at $0.24 per gallon. Special Fuels (Liquified Gases/Propane) have a rate of $0.197 per gallon, Aircraft (Jet) Fuel is $0.114 per gallon, and Aviation Gasoline is $0.302 per gallon. https://www.mass.gov/doc/massachusetts-fuels-excise-rate-table-1st-quarter-2026/download
