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MontanaHB 76869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise civil liability laws relating to equine activities and waivers

Sponsored By: Zack Wirth (Republican)

Became Law

Liability

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Horse activity businesses: limited liability shield

Equine activity sponsors and professionals are not liable for injuries or death from the inherent risks of riding and related activities. The shield does not apply if they provided unsafe or poorly maintained tack. It does not apply if they gave a participant a horse the person could not safely handle. It does not apply for known hidden dangers on their property. It does not apply for willful or intentional harm, or in products liability cases.

Riders must act safely and responsibly

Participants in equine activities must act safely and responsibly. They must be aware of inherent risks. A court can consider a rider’s conduct when deciding fault and damages.

Clearer rules for horse activity waivers

Waivers for equine activities must list known risks. They must include a bold warning that signing may waive a jury trial and claims for inherent risks or ordinary negligence. You can still challenge a waiver in court on any legal grounds. If a waiver follows these rules, state law 28-2-702 does not apply to it.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Zack Wirth

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jacinda Morigeau

    Democrat • Senate

  • Steve Fitzpatrick

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 282 • No: 12

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 47 • No: 3

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 44 • 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

  1. Chapter Number Assigned

    5/19/2025House

  2. Signed by Governor

    5/13/2025House

  3. Transmitted to Governor

    5/7/2025House

  4. Signed by President

    5/6/2025Senate

  5. Signed by Speaker

    5/2/2025House

  6. Returned from Enrolling

    4/24/2025House

  7. Sent to Enrolling

    4/18/2025House

  8. 3rd Reading Concurred

    4/18/2025Senate

  9. 2nd Reading Concurred

    4/17/2025Senate

  10. Committee Report--Bill Concurred

    3/26/2025Senate

  11. Committee Executive Action--Bill Concurred

    3/26/2025Senate

  12. Hearing

    3/24/2025Senate

  13. Referred to Committee

    3/19/2025Senate

  14. Referred to Committee

    3/19/2025Senate

  15. First Reading

    3/14/2025Senate

  16. Transmitted to Senate

    3/7/2025House

  17. 3rd Reading Passed

    3/7/2025House

  18. 2nd Reading Passed

    3/6/2025House

  19. Committee Report--Bill Passed

    2/28/2025House

  20. Committee Executive Action--Bill Passed

    2/28/2025House

  21. Hearing

    2/27/2025House

  22. First Reading

    2/26/2025House

  23. Referred to Committee

    2/26/2025House

  24. Introduced

    2/25/2025House

Bill Text

  • Enrolled

    4/22/2025

    PDF

  • Introduced

    2/25/2025

    PDF

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