Introduced
by
To establish an “adopt-a-watershed” program, which would require the state to encourage and facilitate the involvement of volunteer groups in protecting bodies of water through watershed-based cleanup, pollution prevention, and conservation activities. The Department of Environmental Quality would be authorized to give money to private groups for this purpose if funds are appropriated.
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs
Reported without amendment
With the recommendation that the substitute (S-1) be adopted and that the bill then pass.
Substitute offered
To replace the previous version of the bill with one that requires a volunteer group conducting watershed management activities on private property to obtain written permission from the owner of that property. A property owner would not be liable for injuries to the group members, unless guilty of gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct.
The substitute passed by voice vote
Amendment offered
by
To clarify the legal liability of landowners who allow volunteers to enter their property, by defining the volunteers as having been granted "license" only.
The amendment passed by voice vote
Passed in the Senate 36 to 0 (details)
Referred to the Committee on Natural Resources, Great Lakes, Land Use, and Environment
