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SSB 1118

A bill for an act relating to the responsibility and liability of property owners for public places in cities, prohibiting fines, and including effective date provisions.

2025-2026 Regular Session

SSB 1118 clarifies property owners' duties for snow and ice removal, limits their liability, and prohibits cities from fining them for non-compliance.

Subcommittee Meeting: 02/26/2025 12:30PM Room 315.
#citygovernment #civilliability #damages #fines #ice #property #publicproperty #sidewalks #snow
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Bill Summary · SSB 1118

Summary of SSB 1118

Bill Number: SSB 1118
Introduced On: February 13, 2025
Status: Subcommittee Meeting scheduled for February 26, 2025, at 12:30 PM in Room 315
Classification: Proposed Bill
Subject Areas: City Government, Civil Liability, Damages, Fines, Ice, Property, Public Property, Sidewalks, Snow

Purpose and Intent

SSB 1118 aims to clarify the responsibilities and liabilities of property owners regarding the maintenance of sidewalks and public areas in cities, particularly concerning the removal of snow and ice. The bill seeks to prohibit cities from imposing fines on property owners for non-compliance with these maintenance obligations.

Key Provisions

  1. Responsibility for Snow and Ice Removal:

    • Abutting property owners are required to remove natural accumulations of snow and ice from sidewalks within a reasonable timeframe.
    • Property owners may be held liable for damages resulting from their failure to exercise reasonable care in the removal of snow or ice.

  2. Burden of Proof:

    • Claimants seeking damages must prove the amount of damages incurred, with evidence providing a reasonable basis for the claim. Speculation or conjecture cannot be used to determine damages.

  3. City's Duty:

    • The city is not obligated to remove natural accumulations of snow or ice from sidewalks unless it is the abutting property owner.
    • If the city is the abutting property owner, it must fulfill the same responsibilities as private property owners.

  4. Prohibition of Fines:

    • Cities are explicitly prohibited from assessing fines against property owners for failing to comply with the snow and ice removal requirements.

  5. Maintenance of Public Property:

    • Property owners may be required to maintain areas outside their property lines but within curb lines on public streets, excluding the removal of diseased trees or dead wood on public property.

Impact

  • Property Owners: The bill directly affects property owners by clarifying their responsibilities and limiting their liability concerning snow and ice removal. It also protects them from fines imposed by cities for non-compliance.

  • Cities: Municipalities will need to adjust their ordinances to align with the provisions of this bill, particularly regarding the prohibition of fines and the delineation of maintenance responsibilities.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was introduced and referred to the Local Government committee on February 13, 2025.
  • A subcommittee meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2025, to discuss the bill further.

This summary provides an overview of SSB 1118, highlighting its main objectives, provisions, and potential impacts on property owners and municipalities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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