The bill proposes an amendment to Chapter 9-1 of the General Laws, specifically adding a new section, 9-1-55, which pertains to the Washington Bridge No. 700. The amendment introduces a limitation on the time frame within which any legal action or proceeding can be initiated against any entity involved in the design, construction, supervision, inspection, modification, repair, improvement, or rehabilitation of the Washington Bridge, or the furnishing of materials for such activities. The limitation stipulates that any such legal action must be commenced within ten years of the claimant discovering the existence and basis of their claim or by December 31, 2033, whichever is later. This limitation applies to actions that are not already time-barred by other provisions of the general laws as of the effective date of this act.
The legislative explanation clarifies that the act is intended to set a clear statute of limitations for all causes of action seeking damages related to the Washington Bridge No. 700 that are not already time-barred. The statute of limitations is capped at ten years from the discovery of the claim or until December 31, 2033, whichever comes later. The act will become effective immediately upon its passage.