Walsh sponsors bill against senseless lawsuits

Rep. John Walsh, R-Livonia, has announced he is sponsoring a bill to restore parents' rights to sign a release on behalf of their children giving up the child's right to sue if the child is injured while participating in sports or other recreational activities. House Bill 4231 was created in light of a Michigan Court of Appeals ruling that denied parents this right, and opened the door for frivolous lawsuits against coaches and recreational organizations. "This important legislation protects the interests of the child and enhances parental rights to waive liability for risks which are inherent to the recreational activity their child is participating in," Walsh said. "It also helps assure coaches and organizations that they can continue to provide access to recreational activities for our youth without the fear of senseless lawsuits." The Court of Appeals ruled that without a statute specifying the right of a parent to sign a release regarding sports or other recreational activities, these types of waivers are invalid and parents do not have authority to waive, release or compromise claims of their child. "Anyone who has children participating in sports knows there are certain risks that have nothing to do with the coach or organization hosting these activities," Walsh said. "We want to give parents the right to acknowledge this upfront, while protecting these organizations." Published: Thu, Feb 17, 2011