House Judiciary hears bill to make 2024 recreational-immunity changes permanent

The House Committee on Judiciary heard Senate Bill 179A on April 24, a measure intended to make permanent temporary changes enacted in 2024 that limit liability for local governments and some landowners when people use trails, paths and other rights-of-way for recreational purposes.

A sponsor overview said the measure allows local governments included in ORS 174.116 to opt into protections under ORS 105.668 and extends immunity in ORS 105.688 for certain improved paths, trails and facilities, subject to exceptions for gross negligence, reckless or intentional misconduct, or strict liability. The sponsor also said the measure adds activities such as running, walking and bicycling to the definition of recreational purposes and applies to causes of action filed on or after the bill’s effective date. On the Senate floor the measure received "30 eyes and 0 nays," the…