The bill proposes the addition of a new chapter, Chapter 6.1, to Title 24 of the General Laws, which deals with the qualified abandonment of town highways and driftways. It outlines the process by which a city or town council can declare a highway or driftway, or a portion of it, as no longer useful to the public, effectively abandoning it. The bill specifies that the municipality is not liable for nonperformance of legal duties regarding such abandoned highways or driftways. It also provides for the possibility of retaining a public easement on the abandoned highway or driftway, which would allow for its use as a walking trail, hiking trail, biking trail, or for access to parks and other recreational facilities. If a public easement is not retained, all interests of the municipality in the highway or driftway pass to the abutting property owners.

The bill further details the procedures, requirements, and conditions for a qualified abandonment, which must be in accordance with the provisions of chapter 6 of title 24, with additional notice requirements regarding the potential retention of a public easement and the rights and obligations of affected property owners. Public utility easements will remain regardless of the abandonment status. If a public easement is retained, the municipality is responsible for removing any obstructions such as gates or bars. The bill clarifies that it does not change the status of highways or driftways that were previously abandoned. The act would take effect immediately upon passage.