Advocacy in Action: Springfield Chamber Supports HB 3140
Oregon’s outdoor recreation, fitness, and sporting industries are a vital part of our local and state economy. However, recent state court rulings have effectively nullified liability waivers for businesses in these sectors, leaving them vulnerable to high insurance costs and excessive litigation. House Bill 3140 (HB 3140) aims to restore liability waivers, aligning Oregon with neighboring western states and providing critical relief for businesses struggling to stay afloat.
Without these protections, many companies have faced dramatic increases in liability insurance premiums – or worse, have been dropped entirely by their insurers. For small businesses that rely on these activities, the financial burden is unsustainable. HB 3140 is a common-sense reform that will allow business owners to operate with confidence, reduce legal uncertainties, and keep Oregon’s economy competitive.
The Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce extends their gratitude to the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade for the committee’s leadership in advancing HB 3140. This includes the dedicated efforts of Springfield’s own local state representative, John Lively, one of the bill’s chief sponsors. HB 3140 fosters a balanced, business-friendly environment in Oregon, and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the bill alongside OSCC as well as the Bend, Eugene, and Salem Area Chambers.
The Springfield Chamber’s President and CEO, Vonnie Mikkelsen, submitted testimony emphasizing the importance of the continued progress of this important legislation as it moves to the House Judiciary Committee:
February 24, 2025
RE: SUPPORT for HB 3140
Dear Chair Nguyen and Members of the House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade,
On behalf of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce I’m writing to express appreciation for your thoughtful consideration and passage of HB3140 out of your committee. We strongly support HB3140, which will relieve small businesses from egregious litigation claims that drive up costs, deter insurance providers, and negatively impact our local business climate.
Liability waiver reform is essential to safeguard small business interests and to ensure that Oregon remains competitive and economically vibrant. Oregon businesses currently pay significantly more for liability insurance than other western states. By reducing the risk of excessive litigation and associated costs, HB3140 will empower business owners to invest confidently in growth and innovation.
Moreover, this reform is vital for preserving one of our region’s most critical economic sectors—the tourism industry. As a key driver of local growth and job creation, the tourism economy stands to benefit immensely from reduced legal uncertainties, enabling both traditional small businesses and tourism operators to invest confidently in future growth and ensuring Oregon’s ongoing competitiveness and vibrancy.
Thank you for advancing HB3140. We look forward to the continued progress of this important legislation as it moves to the House Judiciary Committee.
Sincerely,
Vonnie Mikkelsen
President and CEO
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce
HB 3140 saw its first committee vote on Monday, February 24 in the House Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade Committee, which voted to refer passage to the House Judiciary Committee, and then to the Ways and Means Committee, by prior reference. The Springfield Chamber will continue advocating for this essential reform to protect our local businesses and support a thriving economy. Keep checking back to The Bottom Line for updates.
More About the Springfield Chamber’s Business Advocacy Efforts
As a trusted convener and provider of business resources, the Springfield Chamber is committed to fostering policies and incentives that contribute to our competitive position in private sector job creation, retention, and economic growth. The Chamber recognizes the systemic interdependencies of a healthy economy and provides an ear and a voice for local business at the confluence of government, commerce, and community. Through a robust platform of member advocacy services, the Chamber advocates for business by increasing visibility, dialogue, and representation at local, state, and federal policy circles around issues of impact and interest to their members.
