Courts - Prohibited Liability Agreements - Recreational Facilities

This Maryland bill makes it illegal for commercial recreational facilities like gyms, swimming pools, and amusement parks to include clauses in their contracts that try to limit their liability for injuries caused by their own negligence. Under the new law, any agreement that attempts to release these facilities or their employees from responsibility for such injuries is considered void and unenforceable. The legislation specifically applies to businesses open to the general public but excludes agreements related to health club memberships and does not affect the liability of government entities. These changes take effect on October 1, 2024, ensuring that patrons cannot be forced to sign away their right to sue for carelessness by the facility they are using.