Connecticut House Passes Municipal Liability Limits Bill

The Connecticut House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved a bill that limits the liability of cities and towns that make certain types of public lands available for recreational purposes.

House members on Tuesday passed the legislation on a 142-1 vote. It moves to the Senate.

The bill limits the liability of municipalities and districts that make lands available to the public for free. It requires the entities, however, to remain liable for certain structures, fields and roads.

The legislation comes in the wake of a $2.9 million award last year to a bicyclist injured after hitting a gate on West Hartford land owned by a regional water and sewer authority.

West Hartford Rep. Andrew Fleischmann said he voted against the bill out of concern for those harmed due to negligence.