SF4761

Purpose

• This bill aims to limit civil liability for donors and sponsors involved in livestock activities. It would provide immunity from death or injury claims to those who donate services, livestock facilities, or equipment used by nonprofit organizations in livestock events, where injuries arise from the inherent risks of livestock activities.

Main Provisions

• Immunity from liability: A nonprofit corporation, association, organization, or any person or entity that donates services, livestock facilities, or equipment for use by a nonprofit in livestock activities is not liable for death or injury to a participant caused by the inherent risks of those activities.
• Scope of protection: The immunity applies specifically to death or injury that results from the inherent risks associated with livestock activities during events or activities facilitated by the nonprofit or organization receiving the donated resources.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 604A.12 subdivision 2 to codify and broaden a liability shield for donors and entities providing resources for livestock activities.
• Expands who is protected (beyond direct participants and organizers) to include donors of services, facilities, or equipment used by nonprofit livestock-related activities.

Practical Implications (Summary)

• Donors and providers of services, facilities, or equipment for livestock events could be shielded from liability for participant deaths or injuries caused by inherent risks of livestock activities.
• This creates a clear legal bar to pursuing civil liability against those donating resources for such events, potentially reducing litigation against sponsors and supporters.

Relevant Terms

• civil liability
• immunity from liability
• donors
• nonprofit corporation
• association
• organization
• services
• facilities
• equipment
• death
• injury
• participant
• inherent risks of livestock activities
• livestock events
• Minnesota Statutes 604A.12 subdivision 2