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Jones' measure for skate parks signed into law

SACRAMENTO – Senate Bill 1003, a measure written by state Sen. Brian Jones, R-Santee, which extends the immunity from liability that local governments receive when operating skate parks, was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Tuesday, Sept. 29.

Skate parks are reserved areas, often in community parks, that are set aside and built for use by skateboarders and extreme sport riders who use all-wheeled, nonmotorized bicycles, scooters and wheelchairs. Locally operated skate parks offer a place for skateboarders and sport riders to enjoy their sport and hone their skills.

Before the advent of skate parks, some skateboarders and sport riders would resort to using public streets, parking lots and sidewalks, which endangers themselves and others, as well as causing property damage.

While previously serving in the Assembly, Jones wrote Assembly Bill 1146 in 2015, which provided a four-year immunity window for municipally operated skate parks. The law has been successful and San Diego County, which operates Lakeside Skatepark, requested that Jones write legislation this year to make the immunity permanent.

“Senate Bill 1003 grants much-needed immunity from liability for communities that operate skate parks,” Jones said. “Local skateboarders and sport riders get a safer place than the streets to carve, do McTwists or ollies, and taxpayers are not going to be liable for the occasional mishap that is inherent to all active sports.”

Jones’s SB 1003 was sponsored by the county, and as an urgency measure, it goes into effect immediately. The bill was written by Sens. Pat Bates, R-Laguna Niguel, and Ben Hueso, D-San Diego, who both also represent parts of San Diego County, and Sen. Brian Dahle, R-Bieber, from Northern California.

Submitted by the office of state Sen. Brian Jones.

 

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