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Bill Summary · HB 1465

Summary of House Bill 1465

Bill Number: HB 1465
Title: Relating to the Legislature
Status: Referred to LMG, FIN, referral sheet 4
Introduced: February 12, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Appropriation ($), Basic Housing Allowance, Legislators, Per Diem

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 1465 aims to address the use of dirtbikes on private property in Arkansas. The bill establishes the liability framework for property owners when participants engage in dirtbike activities. It seeks to clarify the responsibilities and risks associated with dirtbike use, thereby promoting safe recreational practices while protecting property owners from potential legal claims.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several important provisions:

  1. Definitions:

    • Dirtbike: A motorcycle designed primarily for off-road use.
    • Participant: An individual who rents, leases, or uses a dirtbike on private property.
    • Owner of Private Property: Any individual or entity that provides access to private property for dirtbike use.

  2. Assumption of Risk:

    • Participants assume the inherent risks associated with dirtbike use, which include:
      • Injury or death due to surface changes or collisions.
      • Operator error and equipment failure.
      • Animal attacks.
      • Aggravation of injuries in remote areas.

  3. Liability Limitations:

    • Participants cannot hold property owners liable for injuries or deaths resulting from inherent risks of dirtbike use.
    • Property owners are not liable for injuries unless they:
      • Intentionally injure a participant.
      • Exhibit gross negligence regarding participant safety.
      • Provide unsafe dirtbikes knowingly.

  4. Exclusions:

    • The liability provisions do not apply to employer-employee relationships under Workers' Compensation Law.

Impact

The bill primarily affects:
- Property Owners: They gain protection from liability claims related to dirtbike use on their property, provided they meet the outlined conditions.
- Participants: They must acknowledge and accept the risks associated with dirtbike activities, limiting their ability to seek damages for injuries incurred during such activities.

Legislative Timeline

  • February 12, 2025: Bill filed and referred to the Judiciary Committee.
  • February 26, 2025: Passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate.
  • March 6, 2025: Amendment #1 adopted, and the bill was reported correctly engrossed.
  • March 10, 2025: Passed by the Senate and returned to the House.
  • March 12, 2025: Correctly enrolled and ordered transmitted to the Governor's Office.
  • March 18, 2025: Notification that HB 1465 is now Act 312.

This summary provides a clear overview of House Bill 1465, its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on stakeholders involved in dirtbike activities on private property in Arkansas.

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

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