2025 -- H 5905
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LC002293
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S T A T E O F R H O D E I S L A N D
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2025
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A N A C T
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE
LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
Introduced By: Representative Robert E. Craven
Date Introduced: February 28, 2025
Referred To: House Judiciary
(by request)
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
SECTION 1. Section 32-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 32-6 entitled "Public Use of 1
Private Lands — Liability Limitations" is hereby amended to read as follows: 2
32-6-2. Definitions. 3
As used in this chapter: 4
(1) “Charge” means the admission price or fee asked in return for invitation or permission 5
to enter or go upon the land; 6
(2) “Land” means land, roads, water, watercourses, private ways and buildings, structures, 7
and machinery or equipment when attached to the realty; 8
(3) “Owner” means the private-owner possessor of a fee interest, or tenant, lessee, 9
occupant, or person in control of the premises, including the state and municipalities; 10
(4) “Recreational purposes” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following, or any 11
combination thereof: hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback 12
riding, bicycling, pleasure driving, nature study, water skiing, water sports, viewing or enjoying 13
historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites, and all other recreational purposes 14
contemplated by this chapter; and 15
(5) “User” means any person using land for recreational purposes. 16
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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage. 1
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE
LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
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This act would change the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for 1
the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands. 2
This act would take effect upon passage. 3
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LC002293
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