Swearingen's Bill Helping Campground Owners and Workers Heads to the Governor for his Signature

COLUMBUS – State Rep D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) announces that House Bill 229 passed within the General Assembly earlier today. The legislation aids Ohio tourism by supporting the area’s campgrounds. Swearingen is a primary joint sponsor with State Rep. Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro).

“This legislation assists campground owners, operators, and workers by stating that they are not legally responsible for circumstances that are out of the owner’s control such as injuries resulting from unforeseen environmental risks,” Swearingen said.

The bill does not prevent campground owners and operators from being held responsible for any injuries resulting from circumstances within their control.  The purpose of this legislation is to create fair laws and regulations for our Ohio small businesses, which make up the backbone of our economy. 

Additionally, campground owners or operators are obligated to post a warning sign at each entrance of the premises to inform visitors that the owner and operator is not liable for harm resulting from inherent risks of camping.

Swearingen introduced an identical bill during the last General Assembly, which passed within the Ohio House.

House Bill 229 has many cosponsors within the House and after receiving a concurrence vote from the Senate it will now head to the Governor for his signature.