BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	S.B. 658
85R2883 CAE-D	By: Perry
	State Affairs
	2/22/2017
	As Filed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

Section 75.001(3), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, protects a landowner's liability for injuries incurred during certain recreational activities. S.B. 658 amends Section 75.001(3), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to add "rock climbing" alongside hunting, fishing, hiking, and other activities as a defined recreational activity.

This bill immunizes property owners of liability when opening their land up to rock climbing just as they currently are when property owners allow hunting or fishing on their land. Currently, landowners are concerned of the liability, and therefore, do not allow rock climbers to access the world-class climbing resources offered in Texas.

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Adding rock climbing as a recreational activity would allow Texas landowners to exploit a new revenue stream.

As proposed, S.B. 658 amends current law relating to a landowner's liability for injuries incurred during certain recreational activities.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 75.001(3), Civil Practice and Remedies Code, to redefine "recreation" to include rock climbing.

SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2017.