Massachusetts bill voids hold-harmless and indemnification clauses in snow removal contracts

Original title: An Act relative to snow removal service liability limitation

Last action · August 7, 2025: Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and MeansSponsors: Bruce Tarr and 10 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

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What This Bill Would Do

Massachusetts bill S.1370 voids any contractual provision that requires a snow removal service provider to a service receiver for the receiver's negligence, or vice versa. The legislation applies to all snow and ice control service contracts and agreements within the commonwealth.

Why it matters

Shifts legal and financial risk in winter maintenance agreements by prohibiting parties from forcing contractors or property owners to assume liability for each other's negligence.

Background

Indemnification clauses in snow removal contracts have historically been used to shift slip-and-fall liability from property owners to third-party contractors. context

Who It Would Affect

Groups the bill's text would affect if enacted, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Service providers

Directly affected

Service receivers

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Senate Bill 1370 do regarding snow removal contracts?

It voids any contractual clause that forces a snow removal contractor to the property owner for the owner's negligence, or vice versa.

What types of services are covered under this bill?

The bill covers snow removal and ice control services contracts, which include plowing, shoveling, de-icing, and operating related equipment.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Currently in committee. The next step in the legislative lifecycle is Floor Vote.

Procedural history

4 actions

Aug 7, 2025SenateCommittee
Bill reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Senate Ways and Means
May 7, 2025Joint
Hearing scheduled for 05/13/2025 from 11:00 AM-01:00 PM in B-1
Feb 27, 2025House
House concurred
Feb 27, 2025SenateCommittee
Referred to the committee on Labor and Workforce Development

Version history

Only one version on file - nothing to compare yet. As later stages (committee substitute, engrossed, enrolled) are captured, the redline appears here.

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