HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 592        FILED ON: 1/10/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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PRESENTED BY:

Margaret R. Scarsdale

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To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General
Court assembled:

The undersigned legislators and/or citizens respectfully petition for the adoption of the accompanying bill:

An Act relative to contractor liability for unpermitted construction.

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PETITION OF:

HOUSE DOCKET, NO. 592        FILED ON: 1/10/2025

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The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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In the One Hundred and Ninety-Fourth General Court
(2025-2026)

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An Act relative to contractor liability for unpermitted construction.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:
 

Section 94 of chapter 143 of the General Laws is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph:-

(s) Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, to promulgate rules and regulations as part of the state building code mandating liability for contractors who perform work without a required permit including, but not limited to, permits required by the state building code, a municipality, section 40 of chapter 131, chapter 91 or any other permits required by the General Laws. The rules and regulations shall include fines for contractors who perform work without a required permit and shall mandate that contractors obtain permits personally or retain copies of permits provided by a landowner for a reasonable time, to be provided to permitting authorities upon request.