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Board attorney to pursue liability-immunity bill for obstacle-course attractions
Summary
Board counsel said he would resume work to secure state legislation that would provide liability protections for obstacle-course attractions, arguing immunity could make such attractions insurable; board members voiced support for renewed pursuit.
John Young, the board’s attorney, told the Johnson County Convention & Visitors Board he would pursue legislation to add defensive immunity for obstacle-course attractions — legislation the board worked on last year but that did not receive a committee hearing.
"Without them, you could in this case, the local government cannot offer recreational amenities that are legal that have an inherent risk to them just like a skate park," Young said, arguing that specific immunity language could make such attractions more insurable. He noted that much of the legwork, including letters and draft materials, had been prepared previously and that the county attorney had offered pro bono assistance if the board wished to proceed.
Board members discussed whether the proposal should be county-specific or statewide; Young said the measure could be written to apply statewide but would accept a narrower approach if that improved prospects for a committee hearing. Members agreed to ask Young to re-engage legislators who had previously sponsored the bills.
The discussion produced direction rather than a formal recorded vote: Young said he would contact Representative Mayfield and Senator Walker — legislators involved last year — and work with county counsel and local stakeholders to refile or reintroduce the draft language if possible.
