Wisconsin Senate reduces trespasser liability

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Senate has approved a bill that would reduce property owners’ liability for trespasser’s injuries or deaths.

Under the proposal, property owners generally wouldn’t be liable for conditions on their property that result in injuries to a trespasser or a trespasser’s death.

Property owners could be found liable, however, if they intentionally hurt or kill a trespasser. They also could be found liable for a child trespasser’s injuries or death under circumstances, including whether they allowed a condition on their property that was dangerous to children, whether they knew children would likely trespass on the property and whether the child realized the risk involved in entering onto the property.

The Republican measure is part of Gov. Scott Walker’s special legislative jobs session. It now goes to the state Assembly.