AN ACT RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS (Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.)

S3188

2026 -- S 3188
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LC005219
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STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
A N A C T
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE
LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS

Introduced By:
Senators Famiglietti, LaMountain, Dimitri, Bissaillon, Patalano, and
McKenney

Date Introduced:
April 03, 2026

Referred To:
Senate Judiciary
It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:
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SECTION 1. Section 32-6-2 of the General Laws in Chapter 32-6 entitled "Public Use of
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Private Lands — Liability Limitations" is hereby amended to read as follows:
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32-6-2. Definitions.
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As used in this chapter:
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(1) “Charge” means the admission price or fee asked in return for invitation or permission
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to enter or go upon the land;
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(2) “Land” means land, roads, water, watercourses, private ways and buildings, structures,
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and machinery or equipment when attached to the realty;
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(3) “Owner” means the private-owner possessor of a fee interest, or tenant, lessee,
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occupant, or person in control of the premises
, including the state and municipalities
;
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(4) “Recreational purposes” includes, but is not limited to, any of the following, or any
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combination thereof: hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping, picnicking, hiking, horseback
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riding, bicycling, pleasure driving, nature study, water skiing, water sports, viewing or enjoying
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historical, archaeological, scenic, or scientific sites, and all other recreational purposes
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contemplated by this chapter; and
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(5) “User” means any person using land for recreational purposes.

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SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
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LC005219
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EXPLANATION
BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
OF
A N A C T
RELATING TO PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS -- PUBLIC USE OF PRIVATE
LANDS-LIABILITY LIMITATIONS
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This act would change the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for
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the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.
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This act would take effect upon passage.
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LC005219
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