HB135 Summary

• Encourages public school districts statewide to enter into joint use agreements with local governments and private entities for shared access to recreation and exercise facilities.

• Requires the State Department of Education to develop model joint use agreement language and post it on the department website for districts to use.

• Protects participating schools from liability for personal injury and property damage (except gross negligence) when using facilities under joint use agreements, while requiring public and private entities to obtain their own liability insurance.

• Allows school facilities to be used as voting places during primary, regular, or special elections, with local boards required to adopt rules to protect facilities when used for such purposes.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2011, following passage and approval by the Governor.