SECTION 1. Chapter 25 of the General Laws is hereby amended by inserting after section 23 the following section:-

Section 24. (a) The Department of Public Utilities shall establish a municipal utility corridor public access program. The program shall establish a process for a municipality to enter into an agreement with an electric company, distribution company, generation company, transmission company, or private railroad company that uses land or rights of way as a transportation or utility corridor or for transmission service in said municipality, to permit public access for transportation and recreational purposes without imposing a charge or fee.

(b) The agreement shall include the type of uses that will be allowed, the party responsible for trail construction and maintenance, roles and responsibilities of municipalities, and other matters related to public access.

(c) In accordance with section 17c of chapter 21, an electric company, distribution company, generation company, private railroad company, or transmission company shall not be liable for personal injuries or property damage sustained by members of the public.