H 1613 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

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

HD 893 allows drivers to file claims for tire or rim damage caused by potholes on state, county, or municipal roads in small claims court instead of regular court. This bill directly affects drivers who suffer vehicle damage from public road conditions. The key change amends the law to require that such cases be handled under the small claims procedures in Chapter 218 of the General Laws, making the process simpler and less expensive. It does not change liability but provides a more accessible legal pathway for affected drivers.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Mar 26, 2026
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
6
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
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