maine legislators push insurance reform bill for snowmobile clubs

According to Associated Press reports the Maine Legislature gave final approval on January 8 to an insurance reform bill that will allow private clubs to continue grooming the state's 15,000-mile network of snowmobile trails.

The bill was unanimously approved in the House of Representatives and in the State Senate. It gives snowmobile clubs the same kind of liability protection that landowners get.

Legislators in the Maine House passed the bill 141-0. Maine's Senate approved the bill on 31-0 vote.

The AP reported that Maine Snowmobile Association authorities felt that the bill was necessary because insurance companies raised their insurance rates for clubs by as much as 400 percent in the past year.

Insurance companies reportedly upped rates as a way to fund potential lawsuits by people injured on trails maintained by the clubs. The new Maine bill is designed to protect the clubs by limiting liability if someone is injured on a trail.

Gov. John Baldacci planned to waste no time in signing off. A bill-signing ceremony was planned for Friday, January 9. It will take effect as soon as the governor signs it. The governor supported the bill, saying the clubs provide an essential service for the $350 million snowmobile industry.

There are reported to be more than 290 snowmobile clubs affiliated with the statewide Maine snowmobile association, only about 70 of that number are estimated to have insurance coverage. The other clubs are reported to be waiting for insurance rates to drop. Snowmobile clubs maintain about 95 percent of the state's snowmobile trail network, according to the state.