Changes the definition of owner to exclude the state and municipalities for the purposes of liability limitations relating to public use of private lands.

Plain-English Summary

Rhode Island has a law that limits the legal liability of landowners who allow the public to use their private land for recreational purposes — things like hiking, fishing, or hunting. This protection encourages private landowners to open their land to the public without fear of being sued if someone gets hurt. Currently, the definition of "owner" in this law includes the state government and local municipalities, meaning government entities enjoy the same lawsuit protections as private landowners when the public uses land they control.

This bill would change that definition so that the state and municipalities are no longer considered "owners" under this law. In practical terms, this means that if someone is injured on state-owned or municipally-owned land — like a public park or recreational area — the government could no longer use this particular liability protection as a legal shield against lawsuits. Private landowners would still keep their existing protections under the law.

The bill would primarily affect Rhode Island residents who are injured on government-owned land, potentially making it easier for them to seek compensation through the courts. It would also affect state and local governments, which could face greater legal exposure and potentially higher costs related to lawsuits or insurance for public lands and parks.

The bill was introduced in the House and referred to the House Judiciary Committee, which has recommended holding it for further study, meaning no immediate action is expected.