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Lawmakers hear warnings that Oregon—s waiver rule leaves recreation businesses facing soaring insurance costs
Summary
Industry representatives told the Senate interim Commerce committee that unenforceable liability waivers and a volatile insurance market have driven up premiums for ski areas, guides and fitness centers, risking closures, higher prices, and reduced public access to outdoor recreation.
The Senate Interim Committee on Commerce and General Government heard on Nov. 17 that rising liability insurance costs and Oregon court precedent on waiver enforcement are threatening the state—s recreation and fitness economy.
Industry witnesses told the committee that general liability and property insurance rates have climbed sharply, leaving smaller operators exposed. "Recreational releases are not valid in the state of Oregon," said Jeff Constam, president and area operator at Timberline Lodge, describing recent premium increases and the economic risk to a proposed Timberline–Government Camp connection. "This has been a slow tide coming in."
Why it matters: Recreation and fitness, the chair said, generate about $16 billion in economic activity and roughly $1 billion in state tax revenue annually and support hundreds of thousands of jobs. Witnesses warned that sustained insurance increases would reduce public…
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