Connecticut House Bill HB05770

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Refer: 1/21/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Liability For The Recreational Use Of Municipal Land.

Impact

Should HB 05770 be enacted, it would significantly impact local governments by providing them with immunity from lawsuits resulting from injuries incurred on municipal recreational lands. This change is intended to protect municipalities from being held liable, thereby encouraging them to expand recreational opportunities for their citizens. By fostering safer environments for recreational activities, the bill could lead to greater public participation in sports and community events, ultimately benefitting public health and well-being.

Summary

House Bill 05770, titled 'An Act Concerning Liability For The Recreational Use Of Municipal Land', aims to amend section 52-557f of the general statutes to include municipalities as landowners entitled to immunity under the Recreational Land Use Act. This amendment is significant as it reverses the prior judicial decision in the case of Conway v. Wilton, which held that municipalities were not granted the same protections as private landowners regarding recreational use of their lands. The intent behind this bill is to encourage municipalities to provide public recreational areas without the fear of liability for injuries, thus promoting community engagement in outdoor activities.

Contention

Despite its intentions, there may be points of contention surrounding HB 05770. Critics could argue that while the bill aims to protect municipalities, it may inadvertently reduce accountability for safety standards on municipal lands. The reversal of the Conway decision raises concerns that vulnerable populations using these lands may have limited recourse for legitimate injuries due to negligence or inadequate safety measures. Stakeholders may debate the balance between protecting municipalities from frivolous lawsuits and ensuring that public recreational spaces remain safe and adequately maintained.