H 1413 Massachusetts House · 193rd Legislature (2023-2024)

An Act permitting persons to bring car damage arising from a pothole against the public entity into small claims court

This bill allows individuals to sue public entities, such as cities and towns, in small claims court for car damage caused by potholes on public roads. Currently, Massachusetts law requires such claims to be filed in higher courts, which can be more expensive and time-consuming. By adding this exception, the legislation creates a simpler, lower-cost legal path for drivers seeking compensation for tire or rim damage resulting from road conditions. The change directly affects residents who encounter pothole-related vehicle damage and the public entities responsible for maintaining local roadways.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2023
Senate Passage
Feb 2023
Governor
Introduced Feb 16, 2023 Last action Jun 5, 2024
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2023
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 16, 2023
Committee
Referred to the committee on The Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Tackey Chan
Tackey Chan
DDemocratic
MA
2nd Norfolk