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H 3691

An Act relative to roadways and road markings

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Steven Howitt

Public utilities and private contractors must patch roads and redraw disturbed markings within 30 days, or face escalating fines starting at $100 per week.

Hearing scheduled for 11/04/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2
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Bill Summary · H 3691

Summary: H 3691 — An Act relative to roadways and road markings

Overview

H 3691, introduced February 27, 2025 by Rep. Steven S. Howitt, seeks to amend Chapter 84 of the General Laws to improve the timeliness of roadway repairs and the restoration of road markings after utilities or private contractors disturb them. A hearing is scheduled for November 4, 2025 (1:00 PM–5:00 PM, in hearing room A-2).

Purpose and intent

  • Ensure prompt repair of roadway surfaces and restoration of markings after work by public utilities or private contractors.
  • Enhance safety and consistency of crosswalks, bike lanes, and passing lanes by requiring timely redrawing of disturbed markings.

Key provisions (substantive changes)

  • Adds a new Section 28 to Chapter 84.
  • Patching/sealing of roadways: Public utilities and private contractors must patch and seal roadways within 30 days after breaking ground, weather permitting.
  • Restoration of road markings: Disturbed road markings (including, but not limited to, crosswalks, bike lanes, and passing lanes) must be redrawn within 30 days of disturbance, weather permitting.
  • Enforcement and penalties:
    • If requirements are not met, the local town or city's public works commissioner must issue a notice to the delinquent utility or private entity.
    • Penalties: $100 for the first month of noncompliance after the initial 30-day period; and no less than $100 for each week thereafter until the work is completed.
  • Scope: Applies to work that disturbs road surfaces and markings, with specific reference to crosswalks, bike lanes, and passing lanes.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Primary affected entities: Public utilities and private contractors undertaking roadwork.
  • Local authorities: Town or city public works commissioners gain new enforcement authority and must issue notices for noncompliance.
  • General public: Potentially clearer, safer road markings more quickly after disturbance; penalties may incentivize faster restoration.

Timeline and procedural context

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Referred to the Committee on Transportation (same session) on February 27, 2025.
  • Related action: Similar matter previously filed (House Bill 3349 in 2023-2024; HD 1138 in this session).
  • Current status: Hearing scheduled for November 4, 2025, 1:00–5:00 PM (A-2).

Additional notes

  • Weather permitting is explicitly required for both patching/sealing and marking redraws.
  • No specific funding or appropriation is identified in the bill text; penalties are the enforcement mechanism.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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