Committee hears hours of testimony on bill to let recreation operators require ordinary‑negligence waivers

The Senate Committee on Finance and Revenue held a lengthy public hearing and work session on Senate Bill 1196 on June 11, 2025, taking testimony from recreation operators, industry groups, local nonprofit providers and people injured in recreation accidents as the committee considered an amendment that would allow operators to require participants to release claims for ordinary negligence while preserving claims for gross negligence.

"This is about waivers," said Eric Chancellor, speaking for the Protect Oregon Recreation Coalition, describing a coalition that includes ski areas, outfitters, trail builders, gyms and nonprofit user groups. "The lack of enforceable waivers in this state is utterly unique in the Western United States," he said, and urged the committee to consider the effect on operators and volunteers.

Representative John Lively of House District 7 urged support, saying Oregon’s outdoor businesses are often small and "the incremental difference in…