State Representative Swearingen's Legislation Protecting Campground Owners Passes in Committee

State Rep. DJ Swearingen’s (R-Huron) legislation to support Ohio tourism and protect campground owners from frivolous lawsuits has been approved by an Ohio House committee.

The House Civil Justice Committee on Tuesday passed House Bill 355, which has drawn support from campground owners and business groups, including the Ohio Chamber of Commerce and the Ohio National Federation of Independent Business.

Among those testifying in support of the legislation during Statehouse hearings were Sandusky Bayshore KOA’s Jeff Hoffman, who is a 45-year veteran of the camping industry.

“Travel and tourism is an important part of our local economy,” Swearingen said. “This is common sense legislation that has drawn bipartisan support from across the state.”

He noted that the local tourism industry generates $2.1 billion in annual sales, supporting jobs and the economy. According to Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores and Islands, in 2018, more than 11 million visitors made their way to the region. The legislation is patterned after existing laws that support “pick your own” seasonal fruit farms who open up their property to the public.

The measure now awaits a vote on the floor of the Ohio House.