2023 -- H 5363

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LC001005

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE

LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS

     

     Introduced By: Representatives Craven, Caldwell, McEntee, Shanley, Dawson, and
Batista

     Date Introduced: February 03, 2023

     Referred To: House Judiciary

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

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     SECTION 1. Section 32-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 32-6 entitled "Public Use of

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Private Lands — Liability Limitations" is hereby amended to read as follows:

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     32-6-2. Definitions.

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     As used in this chapter:

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     (1) “Charge” means the admission price or fee asked in return for invitation or permission

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to enter or go upon the land;

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     (2) “Land” means land, roads, water, watercourses, private ways and buildings, structures,

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and machinery or equipment when attached to the realty;

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     (3) “Owner” means the private-owner possessor of a fee interest, or tenant, lessee,

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occupant, or person in control of the premises, including the state and municipalities;

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     (4) “Recreational purposes” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following, or any

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combination thereof: hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback

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riding, bicycling, pleasure driving, nature study, water skiing, water sports, viewing or enjoying

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historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites, and all other recreational purposes

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contemplated by this chapter; and

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     (5) “User” means any person using land for recreational purposes.

 

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     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE

LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS

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     This act would change the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for

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the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.

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     This act would take effect upon passage.

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