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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 16, 2016 03:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Thomas P. Murt |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Snowplow and De-icing Services Contract Liability Limitation Act |
| In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to re-establish basic fairness in contracting, in a particular area that affects many Pennsylvanians. Specifically, the legislation will do so by nullifying certain indemnity clauses in snow removal contracts. These clauses, which are often called “hold harmless” agreements, are features of a contract that are designed to release one of the parties to the contract from legal claims. Generally, one party agrees not to sue the other party for any expenses, damages, or losses arising from a transaction or activity between the two parties – regardless of who is at fault. The net effect of hold harmless agreements on the professional snow and ice management industry is that liability insurance rates have gone through the roof. Not only is that unfair, but the increased cost of doing business is passed on to the customer, which is bad for all Pennsylvanians. My bill simply places the liability with the appropriate party. If the property owner or manager is at fault, then he is liable; if the snow contractor is at fault, he is liable. Please join me in sponsoring this important, business-friendly legislation. |
Introduced as HB2195