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Waugh Legislation to Protect Equine Industry Signed into Law
HARRISBURG -- Legislation
that would protect the state's equine industry from excessive insurance costs
and lawsuits was signed into law today, according to Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York),
the bill's sponsor.
Senate Bill 618 limits civil
liability for injury or death that occurs in connection with equine activity.
The bill protects owners from lawsuits where no party is at fault for injury or
damages.
Pennsylvania was one of just
six states in the nation that did not limit liability on equine activities. As
a result, liability insurance rates were much higher in the state, making it
unaffordable for most small barn owners and operators. Waugh said his
legislation eases the burden these costs place on horse and stable owners.
“There are expected risks in
equine activity, and equine owners should not be forced to accept all of that
risk,” said Waugh. “This legislation was a long time coming, and I am relieved
that we have finally passed this important protection for our equine owners this
session.”
Waugh, who chairs the Senate
Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, thanked the Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers
Association and the Pennsylvania Equine Council for their assistance in drafting
the compromise language in Senate Bill 618, and for their perseverance on the
issue. Waugh also thanked Rep. Fred McIlhattan (R-Clarion) for his diligent
work on the issue in the House of Representatives.
Senate Bill 618 is part of
the Farmers First Agenda, a comprehensive package of legislation introduced in
June to promote agriculture in Pennsylvania. The package includes initiatives
that would expand and improve the state's farmland preservation program, prevent
sprawl, and promote agriculture education, as well as other measures to protect
Pennsylvania's #1 industry.
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