FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2005
Contact:  Erin K. Kelly
(717) 846-2828
ekelly@pasen.gov
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Senate Panel Approves Waugh Legislation to Protect Equine Industry

HARRISBURG – The Senate Judiciary Committee approved legislation yesterday that would protect the state's equine industry from excessive insurance costs and lawsuits, according to Sen. Mike Waugh (R-York). 

Senate Bill 618 would limit 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. 

"Equine activity involves natural risks, and equine owners should not be forced to bear the entire burden of that risk," said Waugh, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. "We have been working on this issue for some time, and I am hopeful that we can provide this important protection for our equine owners in the very near future." 

Pennsylvania is one of just six states in the nation that does not limit liability on equine activities. This substantially raises the rates to purchase liability insurance, making it unaffordable for most small barn owners and operators. Waugh said his legislation would ease the burden these costs place on horse and stable owners. 

Senate Bill 618 is part of the Farmers First Agenda, a comprehensive package of legislation introduced in June to promote agriculture in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 618 was only one part of the Farmers First agenda that would benefit the state's equine industry. House Bill 619, legislation that would expand the state's farmland preservation program to include commercial equine activity, was signed into law November 1. 

Waugh 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. 

CONTACT: Kristin Ebersole (717) 787-3817