This bill allows public property to be used for leisure time activities and temporary shelter and/or aid for the homeless, with prior approval from the appropriate authority. It also indemnifies the government units in charge of public property and their employees from liability for damages in civil actions alleging negligence related to their duty of care for designated areas created to aid and provide temporary shelter for the homeless.

Additionally, the bill adds a new paragraph to RSA 507-B, stating that a governmental unit that provides, permits, or participates in the provision of temporary shelter, food, clothing, or other assistance to persons in need shall not have a duty of care to prevent, and shall not be liable for, bodily injury, personal injury, or property damage arising from or related to such aid, unless the injury or damage was caused by intentional misconduct. The governmental unit providing temporary shelter is also exempt from all statutes and common law pertaining to tenancy and occupancy. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 35-B:6