Oregon Trails Coalition 2026 State Legislative Platform

Monday, February 2nd is the first day of the 5-week short session in Salem. Here's the Oregon Trails Coalition Platform for 2026:

• More than 80% of Oregonians use local trails and are happier, healthier and more connected to their communities because of it. We need to invest in the development and stewardship of our communities' trails!

• More balanced recreation liability laws in line with our neighboring states are critical for Oregon organizations and businesses leading volunteer stewardship activities and outdoor programs.

• Multi-use paths are a critical part of our transportation networks. We support the passage of transportation accountability measures in 2026, and a transportation funding package that increases funding for Oregon Community Paths in 2027.

• Great trails connect Oregonians to our state’s amazing natural beauty, provide affordable access to recreation and fitness for all ages, and present an incredible ROI for Oregon’s outdoor recreation and tourism economy.

Oregon Trails Coalition Bill Positions (roughly in order of priority):

(Reminder: you can sign up to receive direct alerts about any bills you want to follow by clicking the blue "e-subscribe" link in the top right hand corner of the page of any bill overview page linked below.)

SB 1593 / HB 4071: Oregon Recreation Commerce and Affordability Act 

This bill would put Oregon’s recreation waiver laws in line with neighboring states, allowing waivers to be enforced and improving insurability and reducing liability risk for non-profit organizations and small businesses who offer outdoor recreation and stewardship programming. We request an amendment to include waivers signed by a parent/guardian on behalf of minors.

SB 1565: Increases Snowmobile Registration Fees

At the request of Oregon State Snowmobile Association. Oregon’s snowmobile program has faced major cuts impacting volunteer stewardships to maintain snow parks and trails for both snowmobilers and non-motorized users. 

SB 1542: Measure What We Drive

Improves ODOT accountability requiring every project to earn its funding through a public safety, and maintenance, and climate impact score, ensuring we fix our crumbling infrastructure before we think about building more. We support accountability measures in 2026 and a safe, green, and fairly-funded 2027 transportation package that includes funding for trails. (Move Oregon Forward coalition priority.)

SB 1543: Guardrails for Good Governance

Improves oversight of ODOT bonding and increases statewide representation on Oregon Transportation Commission.  We support accountability measures in 2026 and a safe, green, and fairly-funded 2027 transportation package that includes funding for trails. (Move Oregon Forward coalition priority.)

HB 4134: 1.25% for Wildlife We support the -1 Wildfire Protection Program amendment and would support an amendment to include funding for the Oregon Office of Outdoor Recreation.

HB 4007: E-bike and micromobility device definitions and safety standards 

SB 1545: Lawful Corner Crossing for Public Lands Access

SB 1590: Prohibits public bodies from assisting the federal government with privatization of certain federally owned lands.