WEST virginia Legislature
2016 regular session
Introduced
Senate Bill 683
By Senators Maynard, Ashley, Boley, Carmichael, Gaunch, Miller, Romano, Woelfel, Plymale, Stollings, Blair, Cline and Laird
[Introduced February
22, 2016;
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §20-5-23, relating to allowing old and abandoned railroad beds that trail along rivers, lakes or creeks to be used for biking, hiking or off-road vehicle use.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended by adding thereto a new section, designated §20-5-23, to read as follows:
ARTICLE 5. PARKS AND RECREATION.
§20-5-23. Old and abandoned railroad beds trailing rivers, lakes or creeks, open for recreational use.
Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, old and abandoned railway beds that meander along rivers, lakes or creeks in this state may be used for lawful recreational purposes, including, but not limited to, biking, hiking or off-road vehicle use.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to provide that old and abandoned railway beds that meander along rivers, lakes or creeks may be used for lawful recreational purposes.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.