RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, Calif., May 3, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- As the deadline approaches for non-fiscal legislation to be presented to the Senate floor, Senate Bill 1179 has set a date of May 9th for a hearing in the California Senate Judiciary Committee. In order to make it to the Senate Floor, SB 1179 must pass through the Judiciary Committee by a majority vote prior to May 12.
The International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), along with the Southern California Skatepark Coalition, Skatepark Association of USA, California State Association of Counties, League of California Cities, California Joint Powers Association and numerous skateboarding groups and individuals- has submitted its official letter of support for the bill. IASC has intensified its efforts to see SB 1179 become law, and has partnered with Sacramento-based legal consultant and skateboarder, Kris Lev-Twombly, to make sure that no opportunities to enact the bill are missed.
"The need for HRA status for skateboarding is fundamental, particularly for expanding access to skateparks for youth," says John Bernards, executive director of IASC. "The youngest skateboarders need the controlled environment of a skatepark, away from traffic and sidewalk hazards. Current law- while based on good intentions- does more to endanger young skaters than to protect them. The age restrictions and gear requirements reflect a final-hour compromise between stakeholders and lawmakers. Unfortunately, the result is that skateboarders, young and older, are alienated from what few parks exist, and public entities are still skittish of technicalities that could lead to lawsuits."
According to statistics compiled by Skaters for Public Skateparks, an Oregon-based national skatepark advocacy group, an average of one young person per week dies in a skateboarding accident outside of a skatepark in the U.S. As of April 9, 2006, 14 fatalities were reported in the U.S. and all occurred while street skating, almost all involved collision with a motor vehicle, and the most recent fatality in California was a 14 year-old boy.
"The need for more public skateparks in California with less-restrictive access is morbidly clear and SB 1179 will save lives in California," says Lev-Twombly. "Skateboarding is, in fact, a hazardous recreational activity, regardless of riding style or venue. It is time for the law to reflect this reality, and allow localities to mitigate risk in a sensible way. I hope to see this bill transcend the political obstacles, and be enacted as law simply because it is the right thing to do."
Senate Bill 1179, if enacted as written, would amend Section 813.7 of the Government Code to permanently add skateboarding to the list of "hazardous recreational activities" (HRA), giving skateboarding the same protection as other sports such hang gliding and off road motorcycling. HRA status for skateboarding would release public entities, such as cities and counties, from liability for skateboarding injuries sustained at public skateparks. SB 1179 would also repeal Section 115800 of the Health & Safety Code, which conditionally allows for temporary HRA status for "trick, stunt, or luge" riding if public skateparks require the use of pads and helmets, and prohibit the use of the park by anyone less than 14 year of age. The Section would be replaced with language giving discretion to public entities to make the determination for gear requirements and age restrictions.
IASC encourages all supporters to write letters or send e-mail to their Senator and Assembly member and all members of the legislative committee to voice concern and interest on this issue. To find the information for your legislators by zip code, go to http://www.skateboardiasc.org/news.asp
ABOUT IASC: The International Association of Skateboard Companies (IASC), www.skateboardiasc.org, is a nonprofit organization that represents the united voice of the skateboard industry. Driven by skate industry leaders, IASC goals include; Promoting skateboarding, Increasing participation, Education, and Saving members money.