Senate Votes to Protect Landowners from Liability

The Senate approved legislation this week to protect landowners that allow hunting and other recreational activities on their property, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39).

House Bill 13 would shield property owners from civil liability for injuries caused by other hunters and recreational users.  Individuals who are injured by recreational users or hunters would still be able to seek damages from the individual who caused the injury, said Regola, who is a member of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee.  The legislation was introduced in response to a 2006 case in which a Lehigh County landowner was found partially liable for an injury resulting from the actions of a hunter on his property. 

“Many property owners would open their land for hunting, but they fear being sued if an accident occurs,” said Sen. Regola.  “We should be encouraging -- rather than discouraging -- property owners to keep their land open for recreational uses, including hunting, whenever and wherever possible.”

House Bill 13 was unanimously passed in the Senate and the House of Representatives and now goes to the Governor to be signed into law.

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Contact:  Nate Silcox (717) 787-6063