State Rep. Carey Hamilton’s landowner protection bill awaits governor’s approval

INDIANAPOLIS – Legislation authored by State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) that would provide greater protections for landowners is on its way to Gov. Eric Holcomb for final approval.

The Indiana Senate today gave final approval to House Bill 1115, a measure that ensures immunity from lawsuits for property owners who live along public access areas like the Monon Trail. Since the legislation did not change in the Senate, House Bill 1115 automatically moves to the governor for consideration.

“House Bill 1115 demonstrates that the concerns of citizens can be translated into action at the Indiana Statehouse,” Hamilton said. “At one of my community meetings, people who live along the Monon asked what could be done to protect them from liability in the event that someone was injured if that person was passing through their property in order to get to the trail.

“My legislation provides that immunity,” she continued. “If a person walking across the property would be injured from falling, House Bill 1115 protects the landowner from having to pay the costs resulting from that injury. The bill covers access from private property to areas like a trail, greenway or park.”

The measure garnered unanimous support as it proceeded through the Indiana House and Senate, and Hamilton said she was hopeful that the governor would follow suit.

“This is simply good, common sense legislation, and I am especially grateful to be responding to the concerns expressed by people who live in the 87th House District,” Hamilton concluded.