Senate Bill 1593, sponsored by Senator Mark Meek, will sensibly reform recreation liability waivers and bring Oregon in alignment with all other Western states.
Why is this important to Tualatin Riverkeepers?
Tualatin Riverkeepers believes that one of the best ways for our community to become civically engaged is to get outside and enjoy the river. Facilitating on-the-water experiences develops community interest in protecting natural spaces and highlights Oregon’s unique beauty. Reforming recreation liability waiver standards in OR ensures our recreation and restoration programs remain affordable, accessible, and legally sustainable.
Each year, TRK hosts 3,000 paddlers as part of our rental and river experiences programs, and an additional 2,000 volunteers attend our restoration projects. Participants sign waiver for each of these activities, but these waivers are not enforceable without state protection.
TAKE ACTION
We're in a disappointing situation where a majority of legislators support SB 1593, but special interests have pushed a bill, SB 1517-7, which has now advanced out of the Senate. We ask supporters to contact their representatives and call to reject SB 1517-7 in support of SB 1593. Suggested language:
Dear Representative XXX-
My name is XXXXX and I live in XXXX, Oregon. I'm writing to urge you to reject SB 1517-7 and support SB 1593-A, which will provide true protections for our state's nonprofit recreation and stewardship organizations.
As currently written, SB 1517-7 does not provide adequate protections for organizations leading outdoor recreation and stewardship activities. In fact, it contains exceptions to waivers that may put our organizations and our volunteer board officers at even greater risk if passed as currently written.
Please ensure that the protections in SB 1593-A have a path forward to being adopted into law this session.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Current Waivers Are Null
A state Supreme Court decision in 2014 (Bagley v. Mt. Bachelor) effectively nullified Oregon liability waivers. Oregon businesses are now paying significantly more for liability insurance than other western states.
Recreation Outfitters Unprotected
Operators may be liable for accidental injuries even when a recreationist or volunteer signed a waiver, was engaged in risky activity, and the accident was not the result of reckless disregard or willful conduct by the operator.
Preserve Recreational Opportunities
The proposed reform will enact the well-established legal framework that exists in every other western state in Oregon law. That is, legal waivers can be signed that hold individuals engaged in inherently risky activities responsible for their actions, while businesses will remain accountable for behavior that is reckless or willful. This is the balanced standard that existed in Oregon before the court rulings, and it will ensure consumers have affordable access to recreation and fitness options.
Protect Vital Jobs and Tax Revenue
In 2022, outdoor recreation in Oregon supported $16 billion in spending at businesses throughout the state and supported 192,000 full and part-time jobs in Oregon, associated with $8.2 billion in wages and other compensation.
Investing in Oregonians Health
Access to recreation, especially health clubs and gyms, is essential to increasing the health and well-being of Oregonians across the state. Whether they are participating in after-school sports teams, working out in health clubs or enjoying Oregon’s forests and rivers, it is essential we preserve access to recreation for all of our community.
Keep Recreation Affordable
In 2025, Timberline Lodge announced an increase in lift tickets as a result of a 586% increase in their liability insurance since 2020.
Support Rural Economies
While recreation providers generate benefits across the state, they are particularly important in rural communities that rely on tourism. Without a vibrant recreation sector, many of the small businesses that hold these communities together will disappear.
