summary
Introduced
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
In Committee
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act says that an operator may require a person who does recreation to release the operator from some types of claims. Tells OBDD to study issues for the recreation industry and make a report. (Flesch Readability Score: 60.9). Provides that an operator may require an adult person who engages in a sport, fitness or rec- reational activity in various ways to release the operator from claims for ordinary negligence. Directs the Oregon Business Development Department to study recreation commerce and report to an appropriate committee or interim committee of the Legislative Assembly no later than De- cember 15, 2026. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
AI Summary
This bill allows an "operator," defined as someone who offers or provides a place for recreational activities, to require individuals aged 18 and older to sign a waiver releasing them from claims related to "ordinary negligence," which means simple carelessness, before participating in sports, fitness, or recreational activities like hunting, swimming, biking, or skiing. However, operators cannot require waivers for claims exceeding ordinary negligence, such as gross negligence or intentional harm, and any such broader waivers will be limited to cover only ordinary negligence. Additionally, the Oregon Business Development Department is directed to study the economic impact and needs of the state's recreation industry, including identifying challenges faced by small businesses and nonprofits, and must report its findings to the Legislative Assembly by December 15, 2026, with this study provision set to expire in early 2027. The bill also declares an emergency, meaning it takes effect immediately upon passage.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (18)
Lucetta Elmer (R)*,
Jeff Helfrich (R)*,
Em Levy (D)*,
Mark Meek (D)*,
Janeen Sollman (D)*,
Bruce Starr (R)*,
Vikki Breese-Iverson (R),
Matt Bunch (R),
Jami Cate (R),
Ed Diehl (R),
Bobby Levy (R),
Rick Lewis (R),
John Lively (D),
Kevin Mannix (R),
Mark Owens (R),
Werner Reschke (R),
David Smith (R),
Kim Wallan (R),
Last Action
Referred to Judiciary with subsequent referral to Ways and Means. (on 02/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Measures/Overview/HB4071 |
| Open Government Impact Statement for HB4071 INTRO | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Downloads/MeasureAnalysisDocument/94010 |
| BillText | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2026R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/HB4071/Introduced |
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