Bill to keep recreational trails open passed by Oregon Legislature, heads to Governor’s desk
BEST joined Protect Oregon Recreation, Oregon Trails Coalition, and others in calling on state lawmakers to restore recreational immunity for land managers that open their lands to the public.
UPDATE 3/28/24: On March 27, Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill that temporarily grants “recreational immunity” to landowners who allow free access for biking, running and walking.
On March 5, the Oregon House of Representatives voted 50-0 to keep recreational trails open. Previously, the Senate voted 25-2. The bill now heads to Governor Tina Kotek for her signature.
Senate Bill 1576 temporarily restores “recreational immunity” to local governments that provide trails for people walking, running, or bicycling.
A recent Oregon Court of Appeals ruling undermined legal protections for such local governments, prompting some, especially along the Oregon coast, to close trails out of fear of liability lawsuits.
The bill was introduced by Senator Floyd Prozanski at the request of a coalition of recreational trail advocates, including BEST.
See also
- BEST supports keeping recreational trails open (BEST, 2/14/24)
Further reading
- Oregon governor signs ‘recreational immunity’ bill protecting public landowners from lawsuits (KLCC, 3/28/24)
- House passes bill likely to help reopen Oregon Coast trails, heads to Gov. Kotek’s desk (Salem Statesman Journal, 3/6/24)
- Oregon lawmakers OK immunity protections aimed at keeping parks, trails open (OPB, 3/5/24)
- As trails around the state close for fear of lawsuits, lawmakers aim to change Oregon’s ‘recreational immunity’ law (OPB, 2/27/24)
- Oregon Senate passes bill to restore legal shield, help reopen coast hiking trails (Salem Statesman Journal, 2/22/24)
References
- Senate Bill 1576 (Oregon Legislature, 2024)
- Fields v. City of Newport (Oregon Court of Appeals, 7/6/23)
- ORS 105.682: Liabilities of owner of land used by public for recreational purposes, gardening, woodcutting or harvest of special forest products