Bills with Hometown Appeal
Two bills important to residents of the 16th Senatorial District advanced through the legislative process this week. The Senate Government Reform Committee heard testimony on Senate Bill 783. This bill offers owners of campgrounds and RV parks protection from frivolous lawsuits. Operators of these facilities and their employees would not be liable when an injury or death occurs as a result of an inherent risk of camping. Also this week, Senate Bill 673, my proposal to extend professional registration reciprocity to spouses of military personnel, was approved by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
Senate Bill 783 simply acknowledges camping is not like staying at a hotel, and those who chose to “rough it” should expect a different experience. The legislation lists a few of the dangers, hazards and conditions that are an integral part of camping: trees, stumps, rocks, mud, sand, water, uneven terrain, campfires, weather, insects, birds and wildlife. Encounters with any of these could conceivably cause someone harm. That’s the chance a person takes when they pitch a tent at a campground or park their camper at an RV park.
Senate Bill 783 does not shield a campground or its employees when injuries result from willful or wanton disregard for safety. Operators of camping facilities still need to make appropriate efforts to ensure safety, but they won’t be responsible when someone is injured by conditions or aspects that are understood to be part of the camping experience. The legislation is similar to protections currently afforded to equestrian facilities and paddle sports outfitters, and mirrors laws enacted in other states.
Camping and outdoor recreation are vital to Missouri’s vibrant tourism industry. They are especially important to the five counties I serve. The 16th Senatorial District is home to some of Missouri’s most popular campgrounds and thousands of visitors flock to the area each summer to paddle on our clear-running Ozark streams. Many of those guests choose to spend a few nights at one of the dozens of private campgrounds that serve the floating industry. Other visitors park their campers at RV parks throughout the district. Most of these hardy vacationers understand that camping involves potential dangers. They accept those risks and gladly assume responsibility for their own safety in order to be close to nature.
Unfortunately, I believe some campers have unrealistic expectations. When mishaps happen – a fall on wet rocks, a burn from a campfire or even a weather-related incident – some people head straight to their attorney with hopes of redress. My legislation offers protection from these lawsuits and places the burden on personal safety on the person who chooses to engage in an activity with known risks. I look forward to SB 783 being brought up in the Senate chamber. I hope we can get it passed and sent to the House.
Meanwhile, the military spouse professional registration reciprocity measure SB 673 received no opposition when it was brought up for a vote in the Senate this week. This legislation will make it easier for the spouse of a military person serving in Missouri to find a job in their field. These days, many jobs require a professional license or certification from a state board or commission. This is true not just for medical professions, but also barbers, architects, interior designers, therapists and a host of other jobs.
Unfortunately, spouses of military personnel often face a delay in finding employment because they have to start the professional registration process anew, despite the fact that they may already be licensed in another state. My legislation authorizes Missouri’s regulatory boards and commissions to recognize the credentials military spouses have from other states, and streamline the process for them going to work in Missouri. The governor called for this bill’s passage during his State of the State address and has described it as one of his workforce development priorities. I’m proud to say that the measure has cleared the Senate and is now in the hands of the House of Representatives.
It’s my honor to serve as your senator for the 16th District. If you have questions or need any assistance, please call my office at 573-751-5713 or log onto my webpage at https://www.senate.mo.gov/brown for more information.