Relating to private land available for public use for recreational purposes

Topics:Environment & natural resources

Same legislation: SF 275

Write your legislators about itWhat changed before it passed

Official bill page Lobbyist declarations One-pager to print

Where it is now

Done: IntroducedJanuary 12, 2023
Done: SubcommitteeJanuary 17, 2023
Done: House committeeJanuary 25, 2023
Done: Passes the HouseFebruary 1, 202399–0
Done: Senate committeeMarch 12, 2024
Done: Passes the SenateApril 11, 202445–0
Done: To the GovernorApril 23, 2024
Done: Signed into lawMay 1, 2024

Signed into law What’s a funnel?

What’s in it

AI summary This law changes how certain types of land and activities are defined when private owners let the public use their property for free. It expands the definition of land to include parts of railroad paths used for trails and updates the definition of a bicycle to include low-speed electric bikes. It also clarifies that walking, jogging, and riding bikes count as recreational activities. These changes affect how much responsibility landowners have to keep their property safe for people using it for fun.¹

Read the official explanation

F. This bill relates to private land available for public use for recreational purposes. For purposes of Code chapter 461C, the bill defines “bicycle” to mean a device having at least one saddle or seat for the use of a rider that is propelled by human power or a low-speed electric bicycle, regardless of the number of wheels. The bill amends the definition of “land” to include the portions of a privately owned railroad right-of-way or crossing incorporated into or used as part of a path or trail used for recreational purposes. The bill amends the definition of “recreational purpose” to include jogging, walking, and bicycle riding. Code chapter 461C generally provides that a holder of land who makes the land available for a public recreational purpose without charge does not owe a duty of care to keep the premises safe for entry or use by others for a recreational purpose or urban deer control, or to give any warning of a dangerous condition, use, structure, or activity on such premises to persons entering for such purposes.

Changed since by amendment S-5060; see Amendments.

Full bill text · What changed before it passed²

Senate subcommittee

Named March 11, 2024. It hasn’t reported yet.

Three legislators hear a bill first and recommend what the committee should do; it’s the best time to weigh in. How to take part

1 written public comment to its subcommittee: February 15, 2023 (1) · on the Legislature’s site

Iowa Code it changes

Amends§461C.2

How the Code works³

Lobbying

2 for · 1 against · 19 undecided · Who →

Family tree

Tried before

SF 420Cleared committee89th GA HF 2415Passed a chamber89th GA HF 2103Renumbered89th GA

90th General Assembly

HF 35Became lawHouse companion SF 275Cleared committeeSenate companion

Earlier and later bills are matched by wording or an identical title.

Tried before

This idea has been filed in an earlier General Assembly. None became law, though one got through a chamber.

HF 2415 Relating to private land available for public use for recreational purposes
89th General Assembly · Passed House · same title
Passed a chamber
HF 2103 Relating to private land available for public use for recreational purposes
89th General Assembly · Renumbered as HF 2415 · same title
Cleared committee
SF 420 Relating to private land available for public use for recreational purposes
89th General Assembly · Approved by committee · same title
Cleared committee

Matched by wording or an identical title.