The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 6982, aims to establish a legal framework regarding liability for injuries that occur while camping at private campgrounds. Effective October 1, 2025, the bill defines key terms such as "camper," "camping," and "private campground." It stipulates that each camper assumes the risk for any injuries arising from the inherent hazards of camping. However, the bill also clarifies that this assumption of risk does not prevent legal action against campground owners or operators in cases of negligence, intentional harm, disregard for safety, failure to exercise reasonable care, or failure to post adequate warning signs about dangerous conditions.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any written contract between a private campground owner and a camper must include a clearly readable warning notice that informs campers of their assumption of risk for injuries related to camping hazards. This legislation seeks to balance the responsibilities of campers and campground owners while ensuring that campers are aware of the risks involved in their recreational activities.