H 1087 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to civil liability for improper flood hazard determinations

This bill allows building owners to sue companies or contractors who incorrectly determine if a property is in a flood hazard zone. It applies when the provider completed the form for payment (e.g., for a bank or insurer), offered a service guarantee, and mislabeled the flood risk, causing financial harm like inability to obtain flood insurance. The law creates a rebuttable presumption that the determination was correct if certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor, but a court can overturn this with evidence of error. If sued, the provider may be liable for actual damages, attorney fees, and court costs. It directly affects property owners and firms providing flood hazard assessments.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Apr 21, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate. No roll call record of that vote is available.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Financial Services
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Bruce Ayers
Bruce Ayers
DDemocratic
MA
1st Norfolk