Bill > LD1953

This bill modifies Maine's existing liability protections for landowners who allow public access to their property for recreational or harvesting activities. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that protects landowners who grant perpetual public access easements through legal instruments recorded in the county registry of deeds. Under the new language, when a landowner or grantor creates an easement that explicitly allows public access for recreational or harvesting activities, they and the easement holder will be protected from liability for injuries that might occur on the property. Moreover, the bill establishes that the liability protections in place at the time the easement is granted become a permanent vested property right that can be passed on to future owners of the land. This change is designed to encourage landowners to provide public access to conservation lands by offering them clear legal protections against potential lawsuits arising from people using their property for recreational purposes.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1953&snum=132