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Kentucky committee advances bill shielding landowners from liability for rock climbing incidents
Summary
The committee advanced House Bill 114 to extend farm/landowner liability protections to rock climbing, bouldering and rappelling; presenters and supporters described the measure as narrow and aimed at recreational access while members asked whether it could affect private agritourism operations.
Representative Josh Truett introduced House Bill 114 to the committee, saying the measure "is a very simple bill" that would add rock climbing, bouldering and rappelling to activities for which a farmer or landowner would not be held liable.
The bill, presented at committee by Truett and with witnesses Curtis Rogers of the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition and Daniel Dunn, eastern regional director at the Access Fund (by Zoom), would extend existing liability protections so that landowners who allow recreational climbing on their property would not face civil liability for injuries arising from those activities.
Supporters told the committee the change is narrow and intended to encourage access to outdoor recreation. Daniel Dunn, who joined the meeting by video, said, "I appreciate y'all zooming me in," and framed the bill as limited in scope. Curtis Rogers identified himself as president of the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition and spoke as a stakeholder in climbing access.
Members asked practical questions about where climbing occurs and whether farm attractions such as pumpkin farms could be affected; Representative Lawrence asked if the change "will this add rock climbing to the pumpkin farm?" and was told it "probably not." Representative McPherson said climbing is a growing sport and related that family members participate in indoor and outdoor climbing.
The committee called the roll and returned a series of affirmative votes; Chair King announced, "You have passed this committee, and it is now eligible for consideration on the House floor." The measure will move to the full House for further consideration.
No statute or regulatory citation was offered during the discussion; the bill as presented changes liability coverage by adding specific recreational activities to existing protections.
The committee record does not indicate any formal amendments to the language on the floor during the hearing. The bill's next step is consideration on the House floor.
