HB551 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mike Millican
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Duwayne Bridges Richard J. Laird William Roberts Lynn Greer Wes Long Richard Baughn Wayne Johnson
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Property owners, liability limited for leasing property for hunting or fishing, Landowners Protection Act
Summary: HB551 would limit landowners' civil liability when they lease land for hunting or fishing.
What This Bill Does
If a landowner leases land for hunting or fishing, they generally would not be liable for damages based on the use of the land for those activities. There are exceptions: if the owner knew of a dangerous condition that's not open or obvious and didn't warn the lessee, and that danger causes injury; or if the owner intentionally or willfully injures someone. The bill does not change how open and obvious hazards are treated, and it does not affect liability when a third party leases the land. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after it passes.

Who It Affects
Landowners who lease property for hunting or fishing — their liability for damages related to the use of leased land would be limited, with specified exceptions.
People who hunt or fish on leased land (lessees and their guests) — their ability to sue landowners for injuries would be restricted, subject to exceptions; third-party lessees are not affected differently by this bill.

Key Provisions
Section 2(a): A landowner who leases land for hunting or fishing shall not be liable for damages based on the use of the leased land for hunting or fishing.
Section 2(b): Exceptions: (1) liability remains if the landowner has actual knowledge of a dangerous condition not open/obvious and fails to warn the lessee, and the condition causes injury; or (2) the landowner intentionally or willfully injures a person.
Section 2(c): The act does not enlarge or diminish the open and obvious doctrine.
Section 2(d): The act does not affect the liability of a third party leasing the land.
Section 3: Repeals conflicting laws.
Section 4: Effective date: the first day of the third month following passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Civil Procedure