Bill > A08056

This bill modifies New York's highway law to change the state's liability for damages caused by highway defects. Previously, the state was not liable for highway damages during certain times of the year, but now the bill removes those time restrictions and allows individuals to seek compensation for damages resulting from highway defects, with some important conditions. Specifically, the state can now be held liable for damages caused by defects in state highways that are maintained by the state transportation commissioner, but only if the state has received actual or constructive notice of these defects. The bill maintains an existing provision that the state is not liable for defects in bridges over which it has no control. Within incorporated villages, the state remains responsible for maintaining a highway pavement width equal to what it originally constructed, and can be held liable for damages occurring due to defective conditions in that specific portion of the roadway. The bill takes effect immediately and applies to any cause of action that arises on or after its effective date, which means people can seek damages for highway-related injuries or property damage under these new, more permissive liability standards.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8056