HB163 • 2026

LIABILITY/CIVIL: Provides a limitation of liability for owners of property used for recreational aviation activities

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Raymond Crews
Last action: 2026-04-08
Official status: Pending Senate Judiciary A - Considered 5/12/26
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on the types of recreational activities covered or enforcement mechanisms.

Limiting Liability for Private Airport Owners

This bill limits the legal responsibility of private airport owners when people use their property for recreational aviation activities.

What This Bill Does

Defines an 'airport' using existing Louisiana law definitions.
Says that private airport owners cannot be held responsible if someone gets hurt or has damage while using the airport for recreation.

Who It Names or Affects

Owners of private airports
People who use private airports for recreational aviation activities

Terms To Know

Recreational Use: Activities that are done for enjoyment or leisure, like flying a plane for fun.
Private Airport: An airport that is not open to the public and is used by specific individuals or groups.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what kinds of recreational activities are covered.
It's unclear how this law will be enforced or if it applies to all types of private airports.

Bill History

2026-04-08 S
Read second time by title and referred to the Committee on Judiciary A.
2026-04-07 S
Received in the Senate. Rules suspended. Read first time by title and placed on the Calendar for a second reading.
2026-04-07 H
Read third time by title, roll called on final passage, yeas 99, nays 0. Finally passed, title adopted, ordered to the Senate.
2026-04-07 H
Called from the calendar.
2026-04-07 H
Read by title, returned to the calendar.
2026-04-01 H
Scheduled for floor debate on 04/07/2026.
2026-03-31 H
Read by title, ordered engrossed, passed to 3rd reading.
2026-03-30 H
Reported favorably (5-0-1).
2026-03-09 H
Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure.
2026-02-13 H
First appeared in the Interim Calendar on 2/13/2026.
2026-02-13 H
Under the rules, provisionally referred to the Committee on Civil Law and Procedure.
2026-02-13 H
Prefiled.

Official Summary Text

LIABILITY/CIVIL: Provides a limitation of liability for owners of property used for recreational aviation activities

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

HLS 26RS-47 ENGROSSED
2026 Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 163
BY REPRESENTATIVE CREWS
LIABILITY/CIVIL: Provides a limitation of liability for owners of property used for
recreational aviation activities
1 AN ACT
2 To enact R.S. 9:2795.8, relative to liability for owners of private airports; to limit liability
3 of airport owners; to provide a definition; and to provide for related matters.
4 Be it enacted by the Legislature of Louisiana:
5 Section 1. R.S. 9:2795.8 is hereby enacted to read as follows:
6 §2795.8. Limitation of liability; private airport; recreational use
7 A. "Airport" has the same meaning as provided in R.S. 2:1(9).
8 B. No owner of a private airport shall be liable for any loss or damage to any
9 person permitted to fly or land aircraft on the owner's property when then loss or
10 damage is related to the recreational use of the property.
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 163 Engrossed 2026 Regular Session Crews
Abstract: Limits liability for owners of private airports for permitted recreational use of the
property.
Present law (R.S. 2:1(9)) defines an "airport" as any area of land or water, except a restricted
landing area, designed for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, whether or not facilities are
provided for the sheltering, servicing, or repairing of aircraft or for receiving or discharging
passengers or cargo; all appurtenant areas used or suitable for airport buildings or other
airport facilities; and all appurtenant rights of way including easements through or other
interests in air space over land or water and other protection privileges, the acquisition or
Page 1 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.
HLS 26RS-47 ENGROSSED
HB NO. 163
control of which is necessary to insure safe approaches to the landing areas and efficient
operation.
Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law limits liability of an owner of a private airport with respect to persons who use
the property for recreational purposes.
(Adds R.S. 9:2795.8)
Page 2 of 2
CODING: Words in struck through type are deletions from existing law; words underscored
are additions.