An Act to modernize public liability

This bill (HD 242) replaces outdated definitions in Massachusetts law related to public liability claims. It updates key terms like "public employer," "public employee," "serious personal injury" (defined as medical costs/lost wages over $2,500 or permanent disfigurement), and "serious property damage" (over $2,500 value, excluding vehicles/residences). These revised definitions clarify which public entities (cities, towns, state agencies, transit authorities) and employees are covered under liability claims. The changes directly affect how Massachusetts public entities handle civil lawsuits involving injuries or property damage caused by their operations or employees.