Bill will restore long-standing, balanced approach that exists in every other Western state
SALEM, Ore. – January 13, 2025 – The Protect Oregon Recreation Coalition today praised the introduction of House Bill 3140, chief sponsored by Rep. John Lively, Rep. Emerson Levy, Sen. Aaron Woods, and Sen. Mark Meek. The bill, which is co-sponsored by sixteen legislators from both parties and chambers will align Oregon law with the well-established legal framework that exists in every other Western state.
Unfortunately, court rulings have effectively nullified Oregon liability waivers, contributing to a variety of impacts to recreation and fitness providers including significant increases in liability insurance premiums. As a result, Oregon businesses are paying much higher rates for liability insurance than those in other state and are forced to confront a variety of additional costs and risks factors.
“Abundant access to affordable recreation is one of the things that makes Oregon so special. House Bill 3140 is needed to protect Oregon’s recreation and fitness industries and the interests of Oregonians, Oregon businesses, and Oregon’s overall recreation economy,” said Rep. Emerson Levy, D-Bend.
“Passing HB 3140 in 2025 is essential for keeping Oregon’s recreation and fitness industries vibrant and sustainable,” said Senator Mark Meek, D-Gladstone. “This legislation will help these businesses overcome rising costs, safeguard local jobs, and ensure that Oregonians can continue to enjoy affordable access to the natural spaces and outdoor activities that make our state so special.”
69% of Oregonians participate in recreation each year.[1] And over 190,000 Oregonians are employed by indoor and outdoor recreation and fitness job sectors, which generates over $16 billion in annual revenue. That’s a huge tax base for the state. Reducing recreation and fitness opportunities will disproportionately harm small businesses and communities across Oregon, both urban and rural.
“Over 250 diverse organizations and businesses have come together to support this bipartisan bill,” said Jim Zupancic, Oregon Fitness and Health Association. “Protecting affordable recreation and fitness is good for Oregonians and good for the economy, and it brings us back in alignment with all other Western states.”
The two-part bill takes immediate action to address liability reform[2] while laying the groundwork to identify and address challenges associated with wildfires, flooding and other climate-driven extreme weather.
Protect Oregon Recreation’s rapidly growing list of supporters – 250 organizations and counting – includes local businesses, non-profits, user groups and advocates that provide and support recreation and fitness opportunities to Oregonians and those who travel here. Like many businesses, recreation and fitness businesses struggle with inflation, employee shortages, natural disasters and the recent pandemic. Oregon’s recreation and fitness industry needs the support of lawmakers and the public to survive, and waiver reform is an meaningful step toward a more certain future.
For more information, please visit ProtectOregonRec.org.