Loading chat...

MA S1036

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

William Brownsberger

Click for details

Origin

Senate

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Creates a rebuttable presumption of negligence against defendants in lawsuits for injury or death of vulnerable road users struck by large vehicles
  • Applies to motor vehicles, trailers, semi-trailers, and semi-trailer units classified as Federal Highway Administration class 3 or above with gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
  • Presumption of negligence applies only when the vehicle lacked required safety equipment: lateral protective devices, convex mirrors, crossover mirrors, and backup cameras
  • Amends Chapter 231 of the General Laws by adding new Section 140E
  • Sponsored by Senator William N. Brownsberger (Suffolk and Middlesex) and referred to the Judiciary Committee

Legislative Description

Relative to liability for accidents and collisions with vulnerable road users involving large motor vehicles and trailers

Last Action

Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means

1/29/2026

Committee Referrals

Ways and Means1/29/2026
Judiciary2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available