California JPIA Provides Insight on Senate Bill 1003: Skate Park Immunity Extended to Wheeled Recreational Devices Beyond Skateboards

By Abraham Han, Management Analyst, California Joint Powers Insurance Authority

On September 28, 2020, Governor Newsom signed SB 1003 into law. The bill extends immunity to local governments that operate skateboard parks. Prior to the bill being signed into law, only skateboards were included as part of that immunity. Now along with skateboards, SB 1003 extends local government immunity at local skate parks for all wheeled, non-motorized recreational devices such as bicycles, scooters, and wheelchairs. Since the bill was passed as an urgency measure, it went into effect immediately.

It is important to note that certain conditions for hazardous recreational activity immunity within a skateboard park still apply. For example, the immunity is extended on the grounds of a local public agency not supervising the skateboard park on a regular basis.  Further, certain compliance items still exist, such as the adoption of an ordinance and posting of signs regarding the requirement of wearing a helmet, elbow pads, and knee pads.

Municipal agencies that operate skateboard parks are encouraged to thoroughly read through the SB 1003 text to better understand the context and provisions of the bill. Any questions about the bill’s technical aspects should be directed to your agency’s attorney.

Providing innovative risk management solutions for its public agency partners for more than 40 years, the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (California JPIA) is one of the largest municipal self-insurance pools in the state, with more than 120 member cities and other governmental agencies. Members actively participate in shaping the organization to provide important coverage for their operations. The California JPIA provides innovative risk management solutions through a comprehensive portfolio of programs and services, including liability, workers’ compensation, pollution, property, and earthquake coverage, as well as extensive risk management training and loss control services. For more information, please visit the California JPIA’s website at www.cjpia.org.