ATLANTA (February 21, 2013) – The Senate passed Senate Bill 12 by a vote of 50 to 0 to combat childhood obesity through participation in afterschool physical fitness programs. If passed into law, this bill would limit liability for the governing authority of a school that operates under a recreational agreement with a public or private group or organization.
“I support our schools allowing outside organizations and groups to use their facilities for recreational activities outside of the typical school day,” said Sen. Josh McKoon. “These afterschool programs offer a unique opportunity for children to become more physically active and will help reduce Georgia’s overall rate of childhood obesity. “Therefore, it is important these schools are not held liable for any civil damages as a result of an injury during these afterschool programs.”
According to SB 12, the organization contracting with the school must maintain adequate liability insurance ($1,000,000 or more) for the duration of the agreement. However, the school will remain responsible for ensuring adequate coverage because it will be held liable if the other organization does not have such insurance.
Additionally, the school authority will not be liable for any civil damages arising from the school’s facilities unless the school authority caused injury through gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Senate Bill 12 will now travel to the House of Representatives.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
Shawna.Mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028