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 protects private landowners from being sued if someone gets hurt while using their land for recreational activities like hiking, fishing, or hunting. This protection — known as a liability limitation — encourages landowners to allow the public to use their property without fear of costly lawsuits. Currently, the definition of "owner" in this law is broad and may include government entities like the state and local municipalities.

This bill would change that definition so that the state government and municipalities (cities and towns) are no longer considered "owners" under this law. In practical terms, that means state and local governments would not receive the same liability protections that private landowners get when members of the public use government-owned land for recreation. Private individuals and organizations who own land would still keep their existing protections under the law.

The people most directly affected would be Rhode Island residents who get injured on state or municipally owned public lands, as this change could make it easier for them to pursue legal claims against the government for injuries. State and local governments would also be affected, as they could face greater legal exposure if someone is hurt on land they own. The bill has been introduced and sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further review.