Bill > A04190

This bill modifies the New York State Highway Law to change the period during which the state can be held liable for damages caused by defects in state highways. Specifically, the bill extends the timeframe from May 15 to November 15 (the previous law) to April 1 to December 1. This means that for the rest of the year, outside of this specified timeframe, the state cannot be held legally responsible for damages resulting from highway defects. The change applies to highways maintained by the state transportation department, and the bill includes a provision that the state is not liable for damages on bridges over which it has no control. Within incorporated villages, the state will continue to maintain a pavement width consistent with state-improved roadways, and will be liable for damages only when they result from defects in the state-improved portion of the highway. The bill is set to take effect on the first of April following its passage, with immediate authorization for preparing any necessary rules or regulations to implement the changes.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4190