An Opportunity to help towns has been snatched by special interest

Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) and Representative John Hetherington (R-125) holding court with press at the Capitol in Hartford

HARTFORD— Senator Toni Boucher (R-26) is disappointed the legislature will not have the opportunity to help local towns and cities avoid liability when it comes to unnecessary lawsuits.

“Special interest has sidelined a measure to save towns from the extraordinary cost involved in these types of lawsuits,” said Senator Boucher. “Many town budgets are depleted at a time when they are already fighting for every dollar they have.”

HB 6557, which would remove a town’s liability from injuries occurring during recreational use of town property, has been sitting on the back burner of the Judiciary committee this session despite a bipartisan effort to have it brought forward.

State Representative John Hetherington (R-125) serves as the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee and cannot understand why this bill has not been brought up for discussion.

“Bills that provide our struggling cities and towns with direct financial relief should be a top priority,” said Rep. Hetherington.

HB 6557 would include municipalities, political subdivisions of the state and special districts as owners of land entitled to immunity under the Recreational Land Use Act, which does offer that protection to individuals, corporations, nonprofits, and private utilities. The bill would also clarify the definition of “land” and “recreational purpose”. The immunity granted under the bill would save towns from having to close their recreational facilities so they can protect themselves from million-dollar lawsuits.

“It is truly unfortunate that special interests have so much power in this process,” added Senator Boucher. “”Most importantly- these parcels of open space and recreational land are owned by the taxpayers and should be opened to them for their use and enjoyment. Frivolous law suits should be discouraged and land opened rather than be closed to the public.”

Senator Toni Boucher represents the 26th district towns of Weston, Westport, New Canaan, Wilton, Ridgefield, and Redding