Mississippi House Bill HB1295

Mississippi 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Engrossed: 1/29/25
• Refer: 2/17/25
• Enrolled: 3/6/25
• Passed: 3/12/25

Caption

Agritourism activity; revise definition of and clarify posting of signage for liability purposes.

Impact

This legislation is expected to enhance clarity in agritourism operations across the state by requiring agritourism professionals to register annually and pay a nominal fee. It also mandates that these professionals post clear signage documenting potential risks, which will help reduce liability for injuries that may occur during agritourism activities. By providing this framework, the bill promotes rural economic development while ensuring participant awareness regarding risks associated with such activities.

Summary

House Bill 1295 aims to revise significant components of agritourism legislation in Mississippi by amending the definitions and liability clauses associated with agritourism activities. The bill refines what constitutes an 'agritourism activity' to encompass a range of recreational, entertainment, or educational engagements provided at registered farm locations. Key changes include establishing clearer definitions for agritourism professionals and outlining inherent risks associated with such activities to protect both participants and operators.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 1295 is supportive among agritourism stakeholders who see the bill as a necessary step to foster growth in rural tourism while ensuring safety measures are upheld. The provision for clearer definitions and risk management is viewed positively, although there may be apprehensions about how strictly enforcement will be carried out and whether the expectations set for agritourism professionals are reasonable.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise related to the implementation of liability waivers and signage requirements. Critics could argue that while the bill aims to protect agritourism professionals, it may inadvertently soften the accountability of these professionals in instances of negligence or inadequate safety measures. There may also be concerns regarding the effective communication of risks to participants, which is crucial for participant safety and overall public trust in participating in agritourism activities.