CHAPTER 545

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered
8-654.2, relating to the liability of landowners toward hunters, fisher-
men, trappers, campers or hikers.

[H 563]

Approved March 31, 1962

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia :
1. That the Code of Virginia be amended by adding a section numbered
8-654.2 as follows:
§ 8-654.2. An owner, lessee or occupant of premises who gives per-
mission to another person to hunt, fish, trap, camp or hike upon such
premises shall owe no duty to keep the premises safe for entry or use by
such person or to give warning of any hazardous condition on such
premises, and such owner, lessee or occupant, by giving such permission,
does not thereby extend any assurance that the premises are safe for such
purpose, or constitute the person to whom permission is granted an invitee
to whom a duty of care is owed. The owner, lessee or occupant giving
permission for any of the purposes stated above shall not be liable for
any injury to any person or property caused by the negligent acts of any
person to whom permission is granted. This section shall not limit the
liability which would otherwise exist for willful and malicious failure to
guard, or to warn against, a dangerous condition, use, structure or activ-
ity; or for injury suffered in any case where permission to hunt, fish, trap,
camp or hike was granted for a consideration other than the considera-
tion, if any, paid to said owner, lessee or occupant by the State.

The word “premises” as used in this section includes lands, private
ways and any buildings and structures thereon.