Senate committee advances bill limiting volunteer liability for no-fee recreation clubs

BOISE, Idaho — The Senate Judiciary and Rules Committee voted to send House Bill 81 to the fourteenth order for possible amendment after lawmakers heard testimony that high insurance costs and fear of lawsuits are reducing leadership in volunteer recreation clubs.

Senator Cindy Carlson, R‑District 7, introduced the bill, saying it is designed “to encourage the formation of recreation clubs and participation in recreation activities organized by clubs by limiting the liability of volunteers and members from claims from injury” where the activity is offered without a charge. Carlson said the bill excludes claims arising from intentional conduct, gross negligence and situations where the club provides the equipment that caused injury.

The measure applies only to recreation activities “done without charge or fee payable to the recreation…