Oregon legislation · 2026 Legislative Measures
Oregon SB1517: Relating to civil litigation; and declaring an emergency.
Status: Chaptered, April 14, 2026
Digest: The Act says that an operator can make a person doing sports, fitness or recreation waive some claims for negligence. The Act says that some types of claims may not be waived. The Act says that whether a risk is inherent to an activity is a question of law. (Flesch Readability Score: 76.5). [ Digest: The Act says that an operator can make a person doing sports, fitness or recreation waive some claims for negligence. The Act says that some types of claims may not be waived. (Flesch Readability Score: 82.2). ] Provides that an operator may require a participant in a sport, fitness or recreational activity to release the operator for claims for ordinary negligence under certain circumstances. Specifies certain types of claims that may not be waived. Provides that in a claim for damages for injuries sustained while a participant is engaged in a sport, fitness or recreational activity, whether a risk is inherent to the activity is a question of law. Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
What the bill says
From the enrolled text, March 6, 2026:
83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session Senate Bill 1517 Printed pursuant to Senate Interim Rule 213.28 by order of the President of the Senate in conformance with presession filing rules, indicating neither advocacy nor opposition on the part of the President (at the request of Senate Interim Committee on Judiciary) CHAPTER ................................................. Relating to civil litigation; and declaring an emergency. SECTION 1. (1) As used in this section: (a) "Operator" means a person that: (A) Offers a person the opportunity to participate in a sport, fitness or recreational activity; or (B) Operates or provides a facility or place where a person can participate in a sport, fitness or recreational activity. (b) "Sport, fitness or recreational activity" means an indoor or outdoor activity involving elements of inherent risk, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, rafting, biking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, winter sports, team and individual sports, climbing, equestrian and rodeo activities, hiking, outfitter guiding, environmental restoration and maintenance, ocean and water sports, motorized recreation, athletic or fitness competitions, fitness activities and training activities. (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, an operator may require a participant in a sport, fitness or recreational activity who is 18 years of age or older, or a parent or guardian on behalf of a participant in a sport, fitness or …