H 3691 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to roadways and road markings

HD 1138 requires public utilities (like gas or water companies) and private construction contractors to repair road damage within 30 days after digging, including patching road surfaces and restoring road markings like crosswalks and bike lanes. If they miss this deadline, local public works officials can issue notices and impose penalties: $100 for the first month of delay after the initial 30 days, plus $100 per week for each additional week until repairs are completed. The law directly affects entities that dig in public roads, aiming to reduce long-term road damage and improve safety from faded markings. It applies to all roadways in Massachusetts under the General Laws, with enforcement handled by local town or city public works commissioners.
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 Jan 27, 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
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Transportation
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Steven Howitt
Steven Howitt
RRepublican
MA
4th Bristol