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Heated testimony as recreation businesses urge enforceable waivers and insurers warn of market collapse
Summary
A broad coalition of outdoor-recreation businesses, trail groups and local officials urged the committee to adopt amendments that would make liability waivers enforceable; opponents and some lawmakers warned the current bill (SB 1517 A) contains too many exceptions and would not bring insurers back.
The House Rules Committee heard hours of public testimony on SB 1517 A, a bill that would allow recreation operators to require liability releases for ordinary negligence during sport, fitness or recreational activities. Testimony exposed sharp divisions over competing amendments and the potential state economic impact.
Supporters representing outfitters, ski areas, nonprofits, city parks, and chambers of commerce argued Oregon faces an insurance crisis that threatens basic access to outdoor recreation. The Coalition of Oregon Land Trusts, Trailkeepers of Oregon, Oregon Outfitters and Guides Association, the Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association and local chambers urged adoption of amendments (notably dash-11 or dash-15) that supporters said mirror protections used in neighboring states. ‘‘We need liability waivers that work like those designated in Senate Bill 15-93,’’ said Jordan Elliott of the Ski Areas Association.
Small-business owners and recreation leaders described skyrocketing insurance costs and said SB 1517, as passed out of the Senate, added exemptions that would leave providers unprotected. ‘‘Passing SB 1517 would be devastating to outfitters and guides, rural economies and affordable access to the outdoors,’’ testified Pete Wahlstrom of the Oregon Outfitters and Guides Association.
Opponents, including Senator Mark Meek, urged the committee to adopt the dash-11 amendment rather than the version before the panel. Some witnesses and editorial commentary argued the current bill expands trial-lawyer opportunities and would not restore insurance markets.
Committee members closed the public hearing after hundreds of written submissions and dozens of oral testimonies. OLIS will remain open for comments until 8 a.m. Wednesday for those wishing to submit additional remarks.
The hearing did not result in an immediate committee vote on the measure; sponsors offered competing amendment packages and signaled continued negotiations.
