The Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that would make it easier for West Virginia landowners to open their property for recreational use by the public
Senate Bill 577 would limit landowner liability for injuries sustained by individuals utilizing the land for noncommercial recreation.
The legislation implements a number of technical updates to the existing statutes. The bill ensures that a landowner is not liable for harm caused to individuals who enter and use the land, when that use is done for specifically government purposes, noncommercial recreation, or wildlife propagation.
Last week in the Senate Judiciary Committee, the bill’s lead sponsor, Senator Mark Maynard (R-Wayne, 06) asked staff counsel if he could be held liable if someone wanted to put a kayak in the stream on his property and in the process of dragging it down to the water they fell and broke their ankle.
Counsel assured him that under the bill, in that circumstance, he would not be held liable unless there is a written agreement that states otherwise or there was a monetary arrangement for use of the stream in excess of $25.
The legislation now heads to the House of Delegates for further consideration.
The Senate is adjourned until tomorrow, Feb. 14, at 11 a.m.
Afternoon Meetings:
Energy at 1 p.m. in 208W
Health at 1 p.m. in 451M
Workforce at 2 p.m. in 208W
Finance at 3 p.m. in 451M
Judiciary at 3 p.m. in 208W
Morning Meetings for 2/14:
Ag and Natural Resources at 10 a.m. in 208W.
