Nebraska § 37-730 - Limitation of liability; purpose of sections.
Full text of Nebraska Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 37-730 — Limitation of liability; purpose of sections., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 37-730. Limitation of liability; purpose of sections.
The purpose of sections 37-729 to 37-736 is to encourage owners of land to make available to the public land and water areas for recreational purposes by limiting their liability toward persons entering thereon and toward persons who may be injured or otherwise damaged by the acts or omissions of persons entering thereon.
The Recreation Liability Act applies to bar liability only in premises liability cases. Hodson v. Taylor, 290 Neb. 348, 860 N.W.2d 162 (2015).
The purpose of the Recreation Liability Act is to encourage owners of land to make available to the public land and water areas for recreational purposes by limiting their liability toward persons entering thereon and toward persons who may be injured or otherwise damaged by the acts or omissions of persons entering thereon. The Legislature did not intend for a court to look to the subjective intent of an injured plaintiff in using public land to determine whether or not the Recreation Liability Act would bar an action. Veskerna v. City of West Point, 254 Neb. 540, 578 N.W.2d 25 (1998).
In order to facilitate the purpose of the Recreation Liability Act, a landowner need allow only some members of the public, including the plaintiff, to use his or her land without charge. McIntosh v. Omaha Public Schools, 249 Neb. 529, 544 N.W.2d 502 (1996).
The Recreation Liability Act does not require a landowner to fully dedicate his or her property to the public before the landowner comes under the protection of the act. Holden v. Schwer, 242 Neb. 389, 495 N.W.2d 269 (1993).
Provisions of Recreation Liability Act apply to urban as well as rural areas. Evidence required a finding that the entire area owned by the defendant was covered by act and had been made available, directly or indirectly, to the plaintiff. Gallagher v. Omaha Public Power Dist., 225 Neb. 354, 405 N.W.2d 571 (1987).
A municipality is an owner within the meaning of the Recreation Liability Act. Bailey v. City of North Platte, 218 Neb. 810, 359 N.W.2d 766 (1984).
Source: official Nebraska text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Nebraska § 37-730
What does Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 37-730 cover?
Section 37-730 ("Limitation of liability; purpose of sections.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Nebraska, the codified statutory law of Nebraska. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Nebraska § 37-730?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Nebraska § 37-730" (Nebraska). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Nebraska law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Nebraska official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Nebraska attorney.
How does Nebraska § 37-730 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Nebraska can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Nebraska.