All Roll Calls
Yes: 284 • No: 12
MontanaHB 76869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House
Revise civil liability laws relating to equine activities and waivers
Sponsored By: Zack Wirth (Republican)
Signed by Governor
Liability
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Broader liability shield for horse providers
The law shields equine activity sponsors and professionals from lawsuits for injuries or deaths caused by risks that are inherent to horse activities. You can still sue if provider-supplied equipment or tack failed because it was not reasonably inspected or maintained. You can sue if the provider gave you the horse and did not reasonably judge your ability to manage that horse. You can sue if the provider controlled the property and a hidden dangerous condition was known or should have been known. You can sue for willful or wanton misconduct, for intentional injury, or under products liability rules. Participants must act safely and responsibly and be aware of these inherent risks.
Clearer, stronger waivers for horse activities
Any waiver for horse activities must list the known inherent risks. It must warn in bold that by signing, you may give up your right to a jury trial and some claims for ordinary negligence from the provider’s failure to use reasonable care, as well as injuries from inherent risks. Even with this wording, you can still challenge a waiver on any legal grounds. A waiver that follows these rules is not barred or limited by statute 28-2-702.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Zack Wirth
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jacinda Morigeau
Democrat • Senate
Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 4/18/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 47 • No: 3
Senate vote • 4/17/2025
Do Concur
Yes: 46 • No: 2
House vote • 3/7/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 95 • No: 4
House vote • 3/6/2025
Do Pass
Yes: 96 • No: 3
Actions Timeline
Chapter Number Assigned
5/19/2025HouseSigned by Governor
5/13/2025HouseTransmitted to Governor
5/7/2025HouseSigned by President
5/6/2025SenateSigned by Speaker
5/2/2025HouseReturned from Enrolling
4/24/2025HouseSent to Enrolling
4/18/2025House3rd Reading
4/18/2025Senate2nd Reading
4/17/2025SenateCommittee Report
3/26/2025SenateCommittee Executive Action
3/26/2025SenateHearing
3/24/2025SenateReferred to Committee
3/19/2025SenateReferred to Committee
3/19/2025Senate1st Reading
3/14/2025SenateTransmitted to Senate
3/7/2025House3rd Reading
3/7/2025House2nd Reading
3/6/2025HouseCommittee Report
2/28/2025HouseCommittee Executive Action
2/28/2025HouseHearing
2/27/2025House1st Reading
2/26/2025HouseReferred to Committee
2/26/2025HouseIntroduced
2/25/2025House
Bill Text
Enrolled
4/22/2025
Introduced
2/25/2025
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