LANDOWNER LIABILITY IN SPECIAL DISTRICTS

HB 29 expands liability protection for landowners who allow free recreational use of their land (like hunting or fishing) to include special districts organized under New Mexico law. The bill amends Section 17-4-7 to explicitly state that special districts controlling lands for recreation - without charging users (except for state/federal payments) - are shielded from liability for injuries, just like private landowners. This means local government entities managing public lands for recreation face the same limited liability as private property owners. The change applies to activities including hiking, camping, fishing, and cave exploration, but does not affect liability if landowners charge for access.