The bill amends Chapter 24-6 of the General Laws, titled "Abandonment by Towns," by introducing a new section, 24-6-6, which allows for a "qualified abandonment" of town highways and driftways. This process enables town councils to retain a public easement for recreational uses such as walking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as public parking areas, while officially abandoning the road. The bill specifies that adjacent property owners will not have maintenance obligations related to the easement, as the town will retain liability and maintenance responsibilities similar to those for unabandoned roads.

Additionally, the bill outlines that the procedures for qualified abandonment must align with existing abandonment processes, including specific notice requirements detailing the intended public use. It clarifies that this new provision does not affect the status of previously abandoned roads and ensures that existing public utility easements remain intact. The act will take effect immediately upon passage.