Are liability waivers enforceable in Oregon?

Oregon enforces a clear and unambiguous written release of ordinary negligence for sport, fitness and recreational activities under a 2026 statute (SB 1517, 2026 Oregon Laws chapter 132, effective April 7, 2026), which ended twelve years of uncertainty after the state Supreme Court struck down a ski-area release in 2014. The release must disclose the risks of the activity, may be signed by an adult participant or by a parent or guardian on behalf of a minor, and governs claims arising on or after the effective date even if it was signed earlier. It cannot release gross negligence or reckless, willful or intentional conduct, negligence per se, claims about the maintenance or inspection of operator-supplied safety equipment, negligent safety training, abuse or assault, or the operation of vehicles, and businesses outside the covered activities, such as salons, still face Oregon's older case-by-case scrutiny.

New in 2026. Oregon rewrote its waiver law this year. Read the full breakdown of what a release must now contain, and the seven claims it cannot reach, in Oregon’s new liability waiver law (SB 1517): what your release must say.

Key authorities

• Oregon SB 1517 (2026), 2026 Or. Laws ch. 132, 2026 Or. Laws ch. 132 (SB 1517-B, enrolled)
• Bagley v. Mt. Bachelor, Inc., 356 Or. 543, 340 P.3d 27 (2014)

Checked against the source text in October 2026. Laws change, so confirm the current rule with an Oregon attorney.

What makes a Oregon waiver stronger

Wherever you operate, the same fundamentals decide whether a release does its job. The language should be clear and conspicuous rather than buried in fine print. It should name the specific risks of your service, not just “all claims,” so the signer is genuinely informed. And it should be signed by an adult who had a real chance to read it, with the document governed by Oregon law.

Waivers for minors in Oregon

If you serve anyone under 18, have a parent or legal guardian sign on the minor’s behalf. States vary widely on whether a parent can waive a child’s own claims, so treat a minor waiver as one layer of protection alongside good safety practices and insurance, and confirm the current rule with an Oregon attorney.

Popular waivers for Oregon businesses

Whatever the local rules, the document still needs to fit your service. Waivers are available for recreation, wellness, med spa, fitness, water sports, events & classes, pet services, beauty, salon, tattoo & piercing, and youth & community businesses, each of which you can customize for Oregon.

Important

This page is general information, not legal advice, and WaiverPad is not a law firm. Waiver law changes and turns on the facts. Have any waiver reviewed by an attorney licensed in Oregon before you rely on it.