A bipartisan group of lawmakers held a press conference today to drum up support for a proposal that would grant limited immunity from lawsuits to municipalities that open their land to the public for recreational use.
The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on the bill last week, but supporters say they are concerned because the measure is not on the committee's agendas for tomorrow or Friday. The committee's deadline for approving bill is Friday.
"This bill is being held hostage by the trial lawyers' association,'' said state Sen. Kevin Witkos, a Republican from Canton. "It's a means of getting more money into their pockets.''
The proposal drew support from scores of walkers, hikers, runners and bikers. It has also received the backing of municipal leaders, who say it is needed to protect cities, towns and water companies from lawsuits brought by people injured on their property.