H 3702 Massachusetts House · 194th Legislature (2025-2026)

An Act relative to excavation restoration on public ways

This bill requires anyone excavating public roads, sidewalks, or curbs (with a permit) to fully restore the surface to its original condition or better at their own expense. They must use the same materials and match existing markings like crosswalks and bike lanes, following Department of Public Utilities rules. The excavator remains responsible for any damage to the restored surface for one year after work is completed. This directly affects utility companies, contractors, and other entities performing underground work on public rights-of-way.
Bill status passed 3 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2025
Governor
Introduced Feb 27, 2025 Last action Feb 26, 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
7
Key actions
3
Committee
3
Feb 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee reported that the matter be placed in the Orders of the Day for the next sitting
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on House Steering, Policy and Scheduling
lower
Feb 27, 2025
Upper · Passed
Senate concurred
upper
Feb 27, 2025
Committee
Referred to the committee on Transportation
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Steven Howitt
Steven Howitt
RRepublican
MA
4th Bristol