OH HB264

Enacts section 1513.151 of the Revised Code to provide liability immunity for eligible landowners who grant free access to abandoned mine lands on their property for reclamation projects.

Defines "eligible landowner" as a property owner providing access without charge for reclamation purposes, excluding those with existing state or federal responsibility for land reclamation or water pollution from coal mining.

Grants eligible landowners immunity from liability for worker injuries, third-party injuries or damages from reclamation activities, pollution from the project, and operation of water pollution abatement facilities, with narrow exceptions.

Eliminates immunity if the landowner fails to notify the project sponsor of known dangerous conditions at the work area, or engages in reckless, grossly negligent, willful, wanton, or unlawful conduct related to the reclamation project.

Requires the chief of the Division of Mineral Resources Management to adopt rules under Chapter 119 of the Revised Code to implement this liability immunity provision.