LIABILITY RELEASE; CAMPING ACTIVITIES                                                        S.B. 672:

                                                                                                    SUMMARY OF BILL

                                                                                      REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE

Senate Bill 672 (as reported without amendment)

Sponsor:  Senator Goeff Hansen

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 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.

Date Completed:  2-19-16                                                    Fiscal Analyst:  Ryan Bergan

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.