The bill amends Chapter 24-6 of the General Laws by introducing a new section titled "Public easement - Qualified abandonment of highways and driftways." This section allows town councils to opt for a qualified abandonment of town highways or driftways, retaining a public easement for uses such as walking trails, hiking trails, biking trails, or any combination thereof, and may include public parking places in conjunction with these uses. Importantly, adjacent property owners will not bear any liability or maintenance responsibilities due to their status as abutters. The town will retain liability and maintenance obligations related to the public easement, similar to those for unabandoned roads.

The procedures for this qualified abandonment will follow existing abandonment protocols, with additional notice requirements that include the nature, scope, form, and extent of the intended public use. All other provisions regarding abandonment in this chapter will apply to qualified abandonment unless they are specifically inconsistent with this new section. Furthermore, the act clarifies that it does not alter the status of any previously abandoned town highways or driftways. The act will take effect upon passage.