The bill amends Section 45-15-8 of the General Laws in Chapter 45-15, which pertains to actions by and against towns. It introduces new legal language that allows individuals to recover damages for bodily injury or property damage resulting from a town's neglect in maintaining public highways or bridges. Specifically, it states that if a person suffers harm due to a defect or lack of repair in these public areas, the individual may seek damages from the town.

Additionally, the bill includes a provision that exempts these recovery claims from the provisions of chapter 31 of title 9, which deals with governmental tort liability. This means that individuals can pursue claims against towns for neglect in maintaining highways or bridges without being subject to the limitations typically imposed on governmental entities. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
7212: 45-15-8