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HB 718

LIABILITY/CIVIL: Provides a limitation of liability to a landowner who authorizes the free use of his private property for aeronautical activities at nonpublic use airports

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bourriaque

Louisiana HB 718 shields private landowners from liability lawsuits for injuries during free aeronautical activities at nonpublic airports, increasing airport access but limiting injured parties' legal remedies.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 718

Legislative bill overview

HB 718 limits legal liability for private landowners who allow free use of their property for aeronautical activities at non-public airports. This creates a liability shield similar to "recreational use" statutes that exist in many states, protecting property owners from lawsuits arising from injuries or deaths during authorized aviation activities on their land.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects access to private airstrips and general aviation infrastructure. By reducing liability exposure, it may encourage property owners to allow community access to private airports for flying activities, potentially expanding aviation opportunities. Conversely, it reduces legal recourse for individuals injured during these activities, even when negligence may have occurred.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of protection: The bill's language regarding what constitutes "authorization" and which aeronautical activities qualify for protection may be unclear, potentially creating litigation over coverage boundaries
  • Victim compensation: Injured parties or families of deceased persons lose some ability to pursue damages against negligent landowners, raising equity concerns about who bears injury costs
  • Negligence standards: Determining whether the liability shield applies even in cases of gross negligence or reckless conduct (versus ordinary negligence) remains ambiguous and could favor property owners excessively

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

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