Bill > H3048

This bill, concerning tunnel safety, mandates that the Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) will purchase tunnel safety insurance for privately owned, publicly used railway or roadway tunnels. Specifically, by July 31st each year, the Office of the Inspector General, in consultation with the Division of Insurance and the EOT, will determine the necessary insurance coverage amounts to protect the public and the Commonwealth from harm or injury within these tunnels. The definition of "tunnel" is broad, including below-ground structures, platforms, and air rights structures. By August 31st, the EOT will publish a public roster detailing each tunnel's identity, owner, minimum insurance requirements, actual coverage, and other relevant insurance information, using plain language. Tunnel owners must then purchase at least the minimum required coverage by September 30th for the following year and provide proof to the EOT, which will then update the public roster. If an owner fails to secure the required insurance, the EOT will purchase it and seek full reimbursement from the owner, including any enforcement and collection costs.