Recreation; declaring an emergency

Oregon House Bill 4071 aimed to allow operators of recreational activities to have participants release them from liability for ordinary negligence. It also called for a study by the Oregon Business Development Department on issues affecting the recreation industry, with a report due by December 2026. The bill was declared an emergency measure but ultimately failed.

Supporters of HB 4071 would argue that the bill promotes safer recreational activities by encouraging operators to take on more responsibility while allowing participants to engage in sports and recreation without fear of excessive legal claims. They would emphasize the importance of studying the recreation industry to better support its growth and sustainability in Oregon.

Critics of HB 4071 would contend that the bill undermines the rights of individuals to seek justice for negligence and could lead to unsafe practices in the recreation industry. They might express concern that it prioritizes the interests of operators over the safety and well-being of participants, potentially putting them at risk.