This bill aims to amend and reenact sections of the Code of West Virginia to limit landowner liability for injuries sustained by individuals entering land for noncommercial recreational, wildlife propagation, military training, law enforcement training, or homeland defense training purposes. Key changes include the clarification of the landowner's duty of care, stating that unless otherwise agreed in writing, landowners owe no duty to keep the land safe for entry or use for these specified purposes. The bill also removes the distinction between licensees and invitees, aligning with the precedent set in Mallet v. Pickens, and introduces definitions for terms such as "owner of land," "recreational purposes," and "training purposes."

Additionally, the bill specifies that landowners who grant access for military or law enforcement training do not assume responsibility for injuries or damages incurred by individuals using the land for these activities. It also clarifies that charging a fee does not create a duty of care or liability for landowners, while still maintaining that land users must exercise due care in their activities. The amendments include technical corrections and redefinitions to ensure clarity and consistency within the law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 19-25-3, 19-25-4, 19-25-5, 19-25-6