BILL ANALYSIS

H.B. 687

By: Guillen

Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence

Committee Report (Unamended)

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

It has been noted with concern that the recreational use statute does not include injuries caused during rock climbing as a recreational activity for which a landowner has limited liability. H.B. 687 seeks to limit such liability by including rock climbing as an activity covered by the recreational use statute.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE IMPACT

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly create a criminal offense, increase the punishment for an existing criminal offense or category of offenses, or change the eligibility of a person for community supervision, parole, or mandatory supervision.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or institution.

ANALYSIS

H.B. 687 amends the Civil Practice and Remedies Code to include rock climbing among the activities classified as recreation for purposes of the limitation of a landowner's liability under the recreational use statute.           

EFFECTIVE DATE

On passage, or, if the bill does not receive the necessary vote, September 1, 2019.