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Bill

HB 163

LIABILITY/CIVIL: Provides a limitation of liability for owners of property used for recreational aviation activities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Raymond Crews

Louisiana limits property owner liability for injuries during recreational aviation activities on their land, protecting landowners but reducing compensation options for injured parties.

Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary A.
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Bill Summary · HB 163

Legislative bill overview

HB 163 establishes liability protections for property owners who allow recreational aviation activities on their land. The bill limits the legal responsibility these owners face if someone is injured or killed during such activities. This represents a shift toward protecting landowners from lawsuits related to recreational aviation use of their property.

Why is this important

Property owners may be hesitant to allow recreational aviation activities (such as ultralight flying, skydiving, or small aircraft operations) on their land due to liability concerns. By reducing legal exposure, this bill could increase access to recreational aviation facilities and encourage landowners to permit such activities. However, it simultaneously reduces protections available to injured parties seeking compensation.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability shift to injured parties: The protections benefit property owners but shift financial risk onto injured aviators, their families, or third parties who may have limited recourse for damages
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language may create uncertainty about which recreational aviation activities qualify and how much liability protection applies in different scenarios
  • Waiver enforceability: Questions remain about whether liability waivers signed by aviators are always enforceable or if gross negligence/intentional misconduct by owners remains actionable

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

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