Oregon legislation · 2026 Legislative Measures
Oregon SB1593: Relating to recreation; declaring an emergency.
Status: Failed, March 6, 2026
Digest: The Act says that an operator may require a person who does recreation to waive some kinds of claims. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.7). [ 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 ] a person who engages in a sport, fitness or recreational 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 December 15, 2026. ] Declares an emergency, effective on passage.
What the bill says
From the introduced text, February 23, 2026:
83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2026 Regular Session SENATE AMENDMENTS TO SENATE BILL 1593 By COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT February On page 1 of the printed bill, line 13, delete "proven, effective and widely accepted" and insert "commonly used". Delete lines 17 through 19 and insert: "Whereas the unenforceability of liability waivers in Oregon has resulted in the withdrawal of insurance carriers from this state and increased costs and risks for recreation and health and fitness providers; and". In line 22, delete "enforces" and insert "recognizes". On page 2, delete lines 5 through 8 and insert: "Whereas this measure is intended to realign Oregon with accepted national and state public policy and help restore the health of Oregon's recreation and health and fitness industries, improve the lives of Oregonians, increase public safety and enhance tourism and economic opportunities throughout this state; now, therefore,". Delete lines 10 through 45 and delete page 3 and insert: "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 …