Protect Oregon Recreation thanks bipartisan Oregon lawmakers for introducing the Oregon Recreation Commerce and Affordability Act of 2026 (ORCA).
Senate Bill 1593 would put Oregon back into legal alignment with rest of the West Coast; improving affordability, safety and access to recreation and fitness opportunities
Salem, OR – Today a bipartisan coalition of Oregon lawmakers announced they will be introducing the Oregon Recreation Commerce and Affordability Act of 2026 (ORCA) for consideration in the upcoming legislative session beginning February 2nd.
“Oregon is facing an affordability crisis in recreation, health and fitness. Prices are rising, businesses are closing, insurers are leaving – and Oregon families are losing access to the recreational activities they love and cherish.” said Sen. Mark Meek (D-Oregon City). “ORCA will put Oregon back into legal alignment with every other Western state to make recreation here safe, affordable and accessible”.
Since 2014, state court rulings have nullified the use of liability waivers in Oregon, resulting in loss of insurance, skyrocketing premiums, higher prices for consumers, and fewer opportunities for Oregon families to enjoy recreational activities. Every other Western state, including California and Washington, recognize liability waivers.
“Recreation is a vital part of Oregon’s economy and our way of life”, said Rep. Emerson Levy (D-Central Oregon). “Without waiver reform, Oregon families will miss out on the social, economic, and health benefits recreation and fitness provides”.
ORCA is supported by Protect Oregon Recreation, a statewide coalition that includes dozens of recreation user groups, recreation providers, non-profits, conservation groups, and community partners who are advocating for comprehensive, industry-wide waiver reform.
“Oregon’s liability laws are broken, and it’s not just hurting recreation providers. It’s hurting small businesses of every kind that rely on basic liability waivers to operate. Insurance is disappearing, costs are exploding, and some businesses are being forced to shut their doors because the rules no longer make sense,” said Rep. Jeff Helfrich (R-Hood River). “The rest of the Western states have figured out this issue. Oregon shouldn’t be held back by outdated court decisions that deny families affordable activities and deny entrepreneurs a fair shot at staying in business. ORCA fixes that”.
The Oregon Recreation Commerce and Affordability Act of 2026 has 18 legislative co-sponsors, which includes Democratic and Republican lawmakers from across the state. It has been designated as Senate Bill 1593 and awaits committee referral from the Senate President. An identical measure – HB 4071 – is also being introduced by Rep. Helfrich in the House of Representatives.
