HB25 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Kurt Wallace
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Civil procedure, limited liability for certain motorcycle and 4 wheel off road events
Summary: HB25 creates limited liability immunity for sponsors, professionals, and landowners involved in motorized off-road vehicle activities, with required warnings and specific exceptions.
What This Bill Does
The bill establishes immunity from liability for injuries or deaths arising from the inherent risks of off-road activities for sponsors, professionals, and landowners, unless certain exceptions apply. It defines key terms (like what counts as a motorized off-road vehicle activity and who is a sponsor or participant) and requires warning signs or written notices at the activity sites. If warnings are not posted or contracts do not include the required notice, the immunity cannot be invoked. It preserves other liability defenses and sets an effective date after gubernatorial approval.

Who It Affects
Motorized off-road vehicle activity sponsors are immune from liability for inherent risks, with carve-outs where exceptions apply.
Motorized off-road vehicle professionals (instructors, rental providers, etc.) are immune from liability for inherent risks, with carve-outs where exceptions apply.
Landowners where the activity occurs have immunity from liability for inherent risks, with carve-outs where exceptions apply.
Participants and their representatives generally may not file claims for injuries resulting from inherent risks, unless an exception applies; other laws and defenses remain available.
Spectators are not covered by immunity unless they stay in authorized areas; entering unauthorized proximity could limit or remove immunity.
Utilities and their agents are not automatically treated as sponsors/professionals/landowners; immunity applies only to the extent the injury is tied to a utility-operated off-road event.

Key Provisions
Section 2 provides broad immunity from liability for injuries or deaths resulting from the inherent risks of motorized off-road vehicle activities, for sponsors, professionals, and landowners, subject to exceptions.
Section 3 lists exceptions where immunity does not apply, including faulty equipment, failure to assess participant ability, dangerous latent conditions with no conspicuous warning, willful or wanton disregard, and intentional injury.
Section 5 requires sponsors and professionals to post a conspicuous warning sign or provide a written warning containing the specified notice, with the warning also required in contracts.
Section 6 specifies the exact warning text that must appear on signs or in warnings: a statement that sponsors or professionals are not liable for injuries or deaths resulting from inherent risks.
Section 7 states that failure to comply with warning requirements prevents the sponsor or professional from invoking immunity.
Section 8 clarifies that the act does not change other liability provisions or defenses, and explains limitations related to utilities and certain entities.
Section 9 sets the act to take effect on the first day of the third month after governor 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