Bill > A03313

This bill amends Section 58 of the highway law to remove a seasonal limitation on the state's liability for damages caused by defects in state highways. Previously, the state was only liable for highway defect damages between May 1st and November 15th, but the proposed legislation would make the state liable for such damages year-round. The bill maintains existing legal provisions regarding state liability for highway damages, with a key exception that the state remains not liable for defects in bridges over which it has no control. Within incorporated villages, the state will continue to maintain highway pavement width consistent with state-funded construction or improvement, and will be liable for damages resulting from defective conditions in those specific highway portions. The change effectively expands the state's legal responsibility for highway-related injuries and damages to cover the entire calendar year, removing the previous seasonal restrictions on potential claims.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A3313