Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB629

Introduced

2/20/25

Refer

2/20/25

Caption

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 bill is intended to foster increased public access to recreational spaces by reducing the potential legal risks associated with land ownership. By doing so, it hopes to encourage landowners to open their properties to the public. Such legislative changes represent a shift in how recreational lands are managed, granting more assurance to landowners that they will not face legal repercussions for accidents or injuries occurring on their property during recreational use.

Summary

House Bill 629 aims to amend existing legislation from 1966 that encourages landowners to make their land and water areas available for public recreational use by limiting their liability. The bill introduces clarifications in definitions and outlines the responsibilities and protections of landowners, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations involved in the maintenance of such areas. Importantly, the bill states that landowners, volunteers, or volunteer organizations are not required to keep premises safe or to warn recreational users about dangerous conditions unless specified under certain conditions in the legislation.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 629 appears to be supportive among lawmakers who favor increasing recreational access and easing the regulatory burdens on landowners. However, there may be criticisms regarding the extent of liability limitations, where opponents could argue that the bill potentially undermines safety standards by allowing landowners to evade responsibility for unsafe conditions. This reflects broader themes in legislative discussions about balancing access and safety.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to HB 629 may arise particularly from the wording regarding the limits on liability. Critics might express concerns that the bill could result in negligence and an unsafe environment for users if landowners are less incentivized to maintain safe premises. The debate will likely center on whether the bill effectively protects the public while also ensuring that landowners feel secure in their legal responsibilities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA S06666

Relates to the liability of landowners who permit recreational uses of their land; establishes landowners owe no duty to keep premises safe for entry, passage over premises or other recreational uses or to give warning of any hazardous condition or use of or structure or activity on such premises to persons entering for such purposes.

PA SB146

To Amend The Definition Of "recreational Purpose" As Used In Relation To The Liability Of A Property Owner Who Makes Land Available To The Public For Recreational Purposes.

PA HB114

AN ACT relating to landowner liability for recreational use permission.

PA SB303

Revises provisions relating to civil liability to persons using certain premises for recreational activity under certain circumstances. (BDR 3-1021)

PA SB737

In municipal authorities, further providing for definitions, providing for public safety authorities and further providing for purposes and powers.

PA HB574

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions and providing for disaster emergency declaration and for testing requirement, duty to report and public access; in powers and duties, further providing for powers and duties of department; and, in liability and settlement procedures, further providing for responsible person.

PA A00314

Provides that the owner, lessee or occupant of premises owes no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others engaged generally in recreational activities.

PA HB163

Further prohibiting certain entities from acquiring an interest in agricultural land; providing for investigation by Attorney General and for responsibilities of purchaser and Attorney General; further providing for forfeiture of lands; providing for real estate auction; and further providing for definitions.

PA SB386

PA HB38

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in vehicles, further providing for grounds for disciplinary proceedings and repealing provisions relating to recreational vehicle shows, recreational vehicle off-premise sales, recreational vehicle exhibitions and recreational vehicle rallies and to off-premise sales, shows, exhibitions or rallies on Sundays; and, in recreational vehicles, further providing for definitions and for warranty obligations and providing for recreational vehicle events and for recreational vehicle events on Sundays.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.