🟡An Act relating to civil liability of property owners relating to motorcycle instruction and training courses.

HB 4904

🟡 HB 4904: Liability Shield for Motorcycle Training Sites

What it says it does:
HB 4904 protects private landowners who allow motorcycle safety or instructor training courses on their property. It says they cannot be sued for accidents or injuries that happen during the course unless they acted with gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional harm.

What it actually changes:
The bill removes ordinary negligence liability from landowners, shifting legal risk away from property owners and onto riders. This means if unsafe surfaces or conditions cause injuries, families may have little recourse unless they can prove extreme misconduct.

Who is pushing for it:
The Texas Motorcycle Dealers Association testified in support, represented by attorney Royce Poinsett. Individual supporters also registered for the bill in both chambers. No formal opposition was recorded in the files.

Who benefits:
Property owners gain broad legal protection. Motorcycle dealers and training providers benefit from easier access to private land for courses, which can help them attract more participants and boost sales.

Who gets left out or exposed:
Trainees and their families lose the ability to seek compensation for ordinary negligence. When injuries occur, costs shift to individuals, insurers, or public healthcare systems instead of those who controlled the training site.

Why this matters long term:
HB 4904 sets a precedent for expanding liability shields without requiring new safety standards or insurance protections. Other industries could now seek similar carveouts, reducing accountability across multiple sectors.

What to watch next:
Future bills may follow this model, granting immunity to private operators who host public-use activities. Texans should watch for new proposals that expand liability protection without adding safety or transparency measures.

Bottom line:
HB 4904 makes it easier to find training sites but weaker for rider protection. It solves access problems by removing accountability instead of improving safety, leaving ordinary Texans to carry the risk.