FROM THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA:
A Senate committee Wednesday began moving forward with a bill that would limit the legal liability of landowners who allow people to use their property for hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. Supporters said the bill (SPB 7006), which is part of a package of legislative proposals by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, could help encourage more people to enjoy the outdoors. “One of the things that keeps people from opening up their lands is they’re afraid of being sued,” said Sen. Steve Oelrich, R-Gainesville. But the proposal also faced questions from some lawmakers and the Florida Justice Association, which represents trial lawyers. As an example, Sen. Nancy Detert, R-Venice, questioned whether guests on the land would also have liability protections for damage they might unintentionally cause. “You just can’t have one side give up their rights and not the other side,” she said. The Senate Environmental Preservation and Conservation Committee introduced the bill and will have to bring it up again before voting.
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