SB84 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Gerald H. AllenSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Property owners, liability limited for leasing property for hunting or fishing, Landowners Protection Act

Summary

SB84 creates the Landowners Protection Act to limit civil liability for landowners who lease property for hunting or fishing.

What This Bill Does

It generally prevents landowners who lease land for hunting or fishing from being sued for damages arising from the use of that land. There are exceptions: if the landowner knew of a dangerous condition that isn’t open and obvious and did not warn the lessee, and that danger causes injury, or if the landowner intentionally or willfully caused injury. The act does not change the open and obvious doctrine and does not affect the liability of third-party parties leasing the land. The law takes effect on the first day of the third month after it is passed and approved.

Who It Affects

• Landowners who lease property for hunting or fishing — their liability is limited for injuries that occur from use of the leased land, with specific exceptions.
• Hunters, anglers, and other people using leased land (lessees) — generally have reduced ability to hold the landowner liable, subject to the stated exceptions; the act also clarifies that liability rules for third-party lessees are not changed.

Key Provisions

• 1) Landowners leasing land for hunting/fishing shall not be liable for damages based on the use of the leased land for those activities.
• 2) Exceptions: (a) if the landowner had actual knowledge of a dangerous condition not open/obvious and did not warn the lessee, and the danger causes injury, damage, or death; or (b) if the landowner intentionally or willfully injures a person using the land.
• 3) The act does not enlarge or diminish the open and obvious doctrine.
• 4) The act does not affect the liability of a third party leasing the land.
• 5) Repeals conflicting laws.
• 6) Effective date: first day of the third month after passage/approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Civil Procedure