Panel debates HB 1112: keep "may" contract language, add default for silent leases and remove steep penalty

The subcommittee turned to HB 1112, a proposal to clarify who must clear snow and ice in residential tenancies when leases are silent. The chair said the intent is to reduce confusion about liability and to make public safety outcomes clearer.

Why it matters: Slip‑and‑fall injuries on property walkways can produce large insurance payouts and serious liability issues. Committee members said clearer statute language could prevent injuries and shorten dispute resolution timelines, while still leaving courts and insurers to resolve compensation when injuries occur.

What was said: Nick Norman argued for drafting that uses the term "tenancies" (to include oral arrangements) and allows landlords and tenants to "may agree in writing" who is responsible for clearing snow, citing existing private agreements. "We don't think that there should be a state mandated default to any side," he said, arguing for contractual freedom. Tenant‑advocate counsel said a statutory fallback should exist for public safety: if parties do not contract the duty, the default should assign responsibility so someone is accountable to keep walkways safe.

Penalty, enforcement and effective date: The committee discussed and rejected a $1,000 fine for failing to include snow‑removal language in a lease as disproportionate; members proposed removing punitive daily penalties and instead relying on tort/insurance remedies for enforcement. Members discussed moving the bill's effective date to July 1, 2027, to avoid mid‑season confusion and to allow time for drafting.

Next steps: Lawmakers agreed to circulate revised language and to hold a brief subcommittee follow‑up on March 3 at 09:45 to finalize wording before the executive session. No final vote was taken at the meeting.