By Rep. Jeff Helfrich For The Mountain Times
As the 2025 Legislative Session progresses, several key issues have emerged. There are those topics we have been discussing for months now, and yet every session has its issues that catch you by surprise. One notable piece of legislation that falls under the latter, and which would have significant impact on the district, is House Bill 3140, which aims to restore liability waivers for Oregon’s recreation and fitness industries. Luckily, this bill also serves as an example of what good bipartisan solutions can look like. It’s for that reason I want to highlight it, in this month’s piece.
HB 3140 would once again allow Oregon businesses to require participants to sign waivers releasing operators from claims of ordinary negligence. It would allow these waivers for individuals engaging in sports, fitness, or recreational activities. This bill has become necessary because legal challenges have undermined these protections, exposing businesses to increased litigation risks and financial uncertainties. This bill was introduced by my colleague from the Springfield area, Representative John Lively (D), and it has bipartisan support in both chambers.
As I testified in committee, the district includes two of the most iconic and recreational regions of the state, The Gorge and Mount Hood, home to hiking, windsurfing, paragliding, skiing, snowboarding, and many other forms of recreation and fitness. Passing this legislation would be about protecting Oregon’s recreational economy and the activities that all of us who live in the area, as well as all Oregonians and visitors to our corner of the state, enjoy.
A key reason for this bill is to align Oregon’s policies with those of other states. Currently, all of our neighboring states permit the use of these waivers in those industries, providing businesses with a level of legal protection that we are lacking here in Oregon. These discrepancies place us at a competitive disadvantage, potentially deterring businesses from operating within our state.
By reinstating those protections, we could provide some clarity to our legal framework, but we would also foster a more business-friendly environment. Most of our fitness and recreation operators are small businesses, often run by families and non-profits operating on thin margins. If they fail, we all lose out.
As this session continues, HB 3140 should set an example for what good legislation and good bipartisan work can look like. Focusing on fostering a business-friendly Oregon and promoting measures endorsed by both sides of the aisle should be the norm, not the exception. Do you agree?
As always, if you have any questions or concerns call or email my office. If you happen to be in Salem during Session, swing by H-371, and my staff and I will do our best to fit you into our schedule.