NJ A4406

Participants and spectators of physically-exerting recreational activities are deemed to assume all inherent risks of participating in or observing those activities, creating a complete bar to lawsuits against facility operators.

Covered activities include gymnastics, football, baseball, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, hockey, tennis, trampoline jumping, rock climbing, go-karting, and other sports requiring physical exertion at facilities used for sports, games, or amusement.

The assumption of risk defense overrides New Jersey's comparative negligence law, but does not protect operators from liability for gross negligence or willful/wanton misconduct.

Activities already covered by existing liability statutes—including skiing, roller skating, and equine activities—are excluded from this bill and remain governed by their specific laws.

The definition of "operator" includes government entities and their agencies, with liability protections cumulative with those under the New Jersey Tort Claims Act.