Session: State Capitol, Room 204 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-3777 Fax: (907) 465-2819 Interim: 10928 Eagle River Road, Suite 141 Eagle River, AK 99577 Phone: (907) 694-8944 Fax: (907) 694-8945

Kott’s Recreational Liability Bill Passes House
HB 319 Shares Responsibility for Outdoor Activity Hazards

(JUNEAU) - Alaskans and visitors willing to pay for the excitement of outdoor recreation in Alaska would share some of the legal liability for the risks of such activities, under House Bill 319, which passed the House today.

Sponsored by Rep. Pete Kott (R-Eagle River), HB 319 would clarify state insurance law to specify that clients of commercial outdoor recreation businesses accept the inherent risk of such activities and are partially responsible for any damages or injury resulting from such participation.

“While outdoor adventure and recreation activities are some of Alaska's major attractions, high liability insurance costs can be prohibitive, especially for smaller businesses offering commercial recreation opportunities,” Kott said. “By helping eliminate confusion about who is liable, and in what degree, for injuries that may occur during such activities, House Bill 319 should discourage unfair injury claims that can unreasonably hike insurance rates.”

Small tourism companies taking clients on river rafting trips, guided hikes, snowboarding and sport fishing expeditions offer many of Alaska’s most exciting outdoor adventures. HB 319 would clearly establish the responsibilities of commercial recreation operators and their clients who choose to participate in these or other, even more challenging recreational activities.

The bill lays out specific guidelines operators and participants must follow to minimize the possibility of accidents, and it in no way dilutes the obligation of outdoor recreation businesses to meet standards for safe operations, and proper training of their employees, Kott said.

"House Bill 319 will help ensure that Alaska outdoor recreation businesses can continue offering their clients the kind of recreational and outdoor activities that are synonymous with Alaska lifestyles and visitor expectations,” Kott said.

HB 319 moves next to the Senate for consideration.

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