LIABILITY RELEASE; CAMPING ACTIVITIES S.B. 672:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 672 (as introduced 12-15-15)
Committee: Outdoor Recreation and Tourism
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Estates and Protected Individuals Code to allow a parent or guardian of a minor to release a person from liability for personal injuries sustained by the minor during participation in camping activities.
The Code allows the parent or guardian of a minor, before the minor participates in a recreational activity, to release a person from liability for economic or noneconomic damages for personal injury sustained by the minor during the specific recreational activity for which the release was provided. The release must be in writing, and applies only to a recreational activity sponsored or organized by a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization.
Either or both of the following may be released from liability:
-- The sponsor or organizer of the recreational activity.
-- An individual who is paid or volunteers to coach or assists in conducting the recreational activity.
The release only releases the sponsor, organizer, or other person from liability for injury or death that results solely from the inherent risks of the recreational activity, and does not apply to liability for that person's own negligence or the negligence of its employees or agents that causes or contributes to the injury or death.
"Recreational activity" means active participation in an athletic or recreational sport. Under the bill, the term also would include participation in camping activities.
MCL 700.5109 Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.