Amending the act of February 2, 1966 (1965 P.L.1860, No.586), entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts," further providing for definitions, for duty to keep premises safe and warning and for assurance of safe premises and duty of care and responsibility and liability.
Impact
The impact of HB 33 would be significant as it effectively limits the duty of care that landowners must maintain toward recreational users on their property. By stating that landowners do not owe a duty to keep premises safe for recreational users or to warn them about potential dangers, the bill could encourage more landowners to open their lands for recreational activities without the fear of potential lawsuits. This would likely increase public access to various recreational areas, benefiting the community by providing more spaces for outdoor activities.
Summary
House Bill 33 seeks to amend an existing Pennsylvania law that encourages landowners to make land and water areas available for public recreational use by limiting their liability. The bill introduces clearer definitions for 'volunteer' and 'volunteer organization' and modifies the responsibilities of landowners regarding the safety of their premises for recreational users. Under this amendment, landowners, volunteers, and volunteer organizations are granted broader protections, thus alleviating worries about potential liability stemming from injuries on recreational land that they do not charge users to access.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 33 appears to be supportive among those who advocate for public access to recreational areas and relief for landowners from legal liability. Proponents argue that the bill would foster a more inviting atmosphere for landowners to offer their lands for recreational purposes without the financial risks associated with legal claims. However, there may be concerns regarding the safety of these recreational areas, as reducing liability could lead to insufficient maintenance or oversight, making some community members wary of the bill.
Contention
Notable points of contention regarding HB 33 could involve the implications for public safety and responsible management of recreational lands. Critics might argue that lessening the liability for landowners could lead to poorly maintained facilities or oversight in safety standards on these properties, ultimately causing harm to recreational users. There may also be debates about the balance between encouraging public access and ensuring that volunteers and landowners are still held accountable for reasonable safety measures on the land.
Amending the act of February 2, 1966 (1965 P.L.1860, No.586), entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts," further providing for definitions, for duty to keep premises safe and warning and for assurance of safe premises and duty of care and responsibility and liability.
Amending the act of February 2, 1966 (1965 P.L.1860, No.586), entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts," further providing for definitions, for duty to keep premises safe and warning and for assurance of safe premises and duty of care and responsibility and liability.
Amending the act of February 2, 1966 (1965 P.L.1860, No.586), entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts," further providing for definitions; and providing for recreational user's claim for property rights and for the substitution of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for a party in litigation.