SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5075

                    As of January 14, 1999

Title:  An act relating to extending the recreational use immunity to adjoining landowners.

Brief Description:  Limiting the liability of landowners.

Sponsors:  Senators Jacobsen, Oke, Sellar, Rossi and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Judiciary:

SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Staff:  Dick Armstrong (786-7460)

Background:  Landowners who make their land available to the public for outdoor recreational use are immune from liability for unintentional injuries to users of the land.  Public trails often run alongside private land.  Concern has been raised that these adjacent land owners might be liable to suit for unintentional injuries to trail users.  This concern has hampered efforts to build public trails.

Summary of Bill:  Private owners of land adjacent to public trails are given immunity from liability for unintentional injuries of trail users.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.