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Bill

Bill

S 6666

Relates to the liability of landowners who permit recreational uses of their land

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michelle Hinchey

Bill S 6666 protects landowners from liability when allowing recreational use of their land, encouraging public access for activities like hiking and camping.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · S 6666

Summary of Bill S 6666

Bill Number: S 6666
Title: Relates to the liability of landowners who permit recreational uses of their land
Status: Referred to Judiciary
Introduced: March 19, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 6666 aims to address the liability concerns of landowners who allow recreational activities on their property. The intent is to encourage landowners to open their land for public enjoyment—such as hiking, fishing, and camping—without the fear of being held liable for injuries or accidents that may occur during these activities.

Key Provisions

  • Liability Protection: The bill proposes to limit the liability of landowners who permit recreational uses of their land. This means that if an individual is injured while engaging in recreational activities on the landowner's property, the landowner may not be held responsible for those injuries under certain conditions.

  • Conditions for Protection: The bill outlines specific conditions under which the liability protection applies, which may include:

    • The landowner does not charge a fee for the use of the land.
    • The landowner has not engaged in willful or wanton misconduct.
  • Public Access Encouragement: By reducing the risk of legal repercussions, the bill aims to promote greater public access to natural spaces and encourage landowners to allow recreational use of their land.

Affected Parties

  • Landowners: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are private landowners who may be hesitant to allow public access due to potential liability issues.

  • Recreational Users: Individuals and groups seeking to engage in outdoor recreational activities will benefit from increased access to land that was previously restricted.

  • Local Communities: Communities may see an increase in outdoor activities and tourism, which can have positive economic impacts.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of March 19, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 1846, A 1703, A 5822, A 8258, A 650, A 2045, A 201, A 2544) that may address similar issues regarding land use and liability.

Conclusion

Bill S 6666 represents a significant step towards encouraging landowners to permit recreational use of their property by addressing liability concerns. If passed, it could lead to increased public access to recreational spaces, benefiting both landowners and the community at large. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee, and its progress will be closely monitored.

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

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