Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

House Votes Protection for Recreational Activities

Bill Protects Operators from Frivolous Lawsuits

For Immediate Release April 27, 1998 Contact: Rep. Gary Davis at (907) 465-2693.

Juneau -- The Alaska House of Representatives Monday approved House Bill 12, which offers increased protection from frivolous lawsuits for operators of commercial recreational activities. The bill addresses specific guidelines operators and participants must follow to minimize the possibility of accidents.

"Whenever people participate in commercial recreational activities, they assume an inherent risk that accompanies that activity," said Representative Gary Davis (R-Soldotna), sponsor of HB 12. "Many of the unfortunate accidents that result from recreational activities are intrinsic in nature. If the operator is not obviously negligent, the operator should not be held accountable for monetary compensation," Davis said.

HB 12 does not prohibit the victim of an accident to file a civil liability suit against an operator. The bill contains a provision which allows juries to find operators negligent to a degree if there is sufficient proof.

"This bill is designed to allow operators to obtain affordable insurance policies," Davis said. "The legislation will provide some statutory protection against civil litigation so that businesses can continue to operate under proper insurance coverage," Davis said.

Some of the inherently dangerous activities covered by HB 12 are: horseback riding; bicycling; car racing; 4-H competitions; rodeos; skateboarding in parks; and other related activities.

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