Relating to liability of certain electric utilities that allow certain uses of land that the electric utility owns, occupies, or leases.
A key facet of SB633 is the introduction of limitations on liability for serious personal injuries or death that may arise from conditions on the premises, provided these injuries are not due to gross negligence or wilful misconduct on the part of the electric utility. This change seeks to strike a balance between encouraging utilities to allow public use of their properties while protecting them from unmanageable liability claims. The bill specifies the type of scenarios in which such legal protections would apply, thereby potentially reducing the legal exposure for these utilities.
SB633 proposes to amend liability provisions related to electric utilities, focusing specifically on their responsibilities when allowing public access to the land they own or operate. The bill aims to clarify the circumstances under which electric utilities can limit their liability in cases where individuals access their premises for recreation or leisure activities. By defining the degree of care owed to individuals entering these premises, the bill hopes to foster greater public access without significantly increasing the risk of liability for the utilities involved.
Notable points of contention surrounding SB633 focus on the potential implications for public safety and accountability. Critics argue that limiting liability for electric utilities could lead to neglect in maintaining safe premises, thereby endangering users who may access these areas for recreational purposes. Supporters maintain that the bill is necessary to encourage the use of utility land for public enjoyment without imposing unreasonable risks on the utilities. The balancing act between enhancing public access and ensuring safety standards forms the crux of the debate around this bill.
The bill was filed in February 2013 and underwent discussions and adjustments in the Senate Committee on State Affairs, who reported it favorably by a unanimous vote. The attempts to fine-tune the liability definitions signal the careful consideration lawmakers are giving to the needs of both electric utilities and the public. Approval from the committee suggests a level of bipartisan support for the measures proposed, although debates likely will continue around the operationalization of these provisions.