Bill > SB1923

This bill amends the Recreational Use of Land and Water Areas Act to clarify the liability protections for landowners who allow people to use their property for recreational or conservation purposes without charging a fee. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to explicitly state that when a landowner permits or invites someone onto their property without charge, they do not extend any guarantee of safety and are not responsible for injuries caused by natural conditions, structures, or the actions of people on the property. The bill maintains an important exception that landowners can still be held liable for "willful and wanton failure to guard or warn against a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity." This means that while landowners are generally protected from liability, they cannot deliberately ignore serious safety risks. The changes apply only to legal claims (causes of action) that arise after the bill's effective date, ensuring that the new provisions do not retroactively impact existing legal disputes. The bill aims to encourage landowners to make their property available for public recreational use by reducing their potential legal exposure.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1923&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104