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LD 1137

An Act To Expand Landowner Liability Protections To Include Sport Shooting Ranges

132nd Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Donald Ardell and 5 co-sponsors

Maine bill to shield shooting range landowners from liability lawsuits was rejected by legislature on May 6, 2025.

Placed in the Legislative Files. (DEAD)
#casualty #insurance #shootingranges
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Bill Summary · LD 1137

Legislative bill overview

LD 1137 would have expanded Maine's landowner liability protections to include sport shooting ranges, shielding property owners from certain lawsuits related to injuries or damages occurring at recreational shooting facilities on their land. The bill died in the Maine House on May 6, 2025, when the legislature rejected it with a "Ought Not to Pass" recommendation.

Why is this important

Liability protections affect landowners' willingness to allow public recreational use of their property. Expanding protections could increase shooting range availability but could also reduce accountability for unsafe conditions or negligent operations that cause public harm.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability versus safety standards: Critics likely argued the protections could shield range operators from responsibility for preventable accidents, inadequate safety measures, or negligent maintenance
  • Scope of immunity: Questions about whether protections would apply to gross negligence or intentional misconduct, or only ordinary negligence
  • Public safety concerns: Gun safety advocates may have opposed broad liability shields for shooting facilities without corresponding mandatory safety requirements or insurance mandates

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

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