HB 629 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of February 2, 1966 (1965 P.L.1860, No.586), entitled "An act encouraging landowners to make land and water areas available to the public for recreational purposes by limiting liability in connection therewith, and repealing certain acts," further providing for definitions, for duty to keep premises safe and warning and for assurance of safe premises and duty of care and responsibility and liability.

HB 629 amends Pennsylvania's 1966 recreational liability law to expand protections for landowners, volunteers, and volunteer organizations that provide unpaid recreational access to the public. It adds definitions clarifying that "volunteers" are unpaid individuals caring for recreational land, and "volunteer organizations" include 501(c)(3) nonprofits or similar groups. The bill states these entities owe no duty to keep premises safe, give warnings about hazards, or assume liability for injuries to recreational users, including during hunting activities. This directly affects landowners who open areas for public recreation through volunteer efforts, ensuring they face no legal liability for ordinary risks. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 20, 2025 Last action Feb 20, 2025