SB 45-LAND OWNER IMMUNITY/ RT-OF-WAY VACATION MR. BRETT HUBER, staff to Senator Rick Halford, testified that SB 45 will preserve and expand recreational access for Alaskans and visitors to Alaska by providing limited immunity for landowners who allow their land to be used as recreational easements. MR. HUBER testified the bill is supported by the Division of Parks, the Municipality of Anchorage, the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, the City of Wasilla, the Alaska State Chamber of Commerce and the Alaska Outdoor Council. MR. HUBER said the committee substitute proposed to the committee offers limited immunity to landowners who grant public access to the easement. Limited immunity applies to damages arising out of a person's recreational use, where there is no payment for the recreational use. MR. HUBER stated SB 45 also makes a technical correction to the statutes governing vacation of RS2477 rights-of- way and section line easements. Number 058 SENATOR HALFORD moved the adoption of the committee substitute. Without objection, the committee substitute was adopted. CHAIRMAN TAYLOR explained SENATOR DONLEY was needed in the finance committee, though it was his intent to move the bill. He acknowledged there were several groups on record supporting the bill and he asked if anyone wished to testify in opposition to SB 45. MR. BRYAN MERRELL, representing First American Title Insurance Co., opposed the bill. MR. MERRELL said SB 45 is based somewhat on the RS 2477 rights-of-way and lacks definition. He fears the bill may unnecessarily cloud titles and he thinks "We could seek to define these better before we seek to limit the ability of people to obtain vacations." MR. BILL EASTHAM stated he supports SB 45. Number 128 MR. LEE JOHNSON said he supports legislation limiting liability, but he prefers to see the bill in its original form, referring to all land, and not limited to recreational land. MS. MARGRET SEELEY stated she supports SB 45, but agrees with MR. JOHNSON. MR. MIKE EASTHAM, representing SNOMADS snowmachine club, testified in support of the bill. Number 146 MR. TIM KRUG, representing the City of Wasilla, supported SB 45. MR. HOWARD DAVIS, representing the Caribou Hills Cabin Hoppers snowmobile club, stated his support for SB 45. MR. LANCE STEVENS, representing the Alaska State Snowmobile Association, spoke in favor of SB 45. MR. TIM BERGSTROM stated the Anchorage Economic Development Corporation supports SB 45. Number 166 SENATOR HALFORD moved CSSB 45(JUD) from committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal note. Without objection, the bill moved from committee.