Oregon governor signs ‘recreational immunity’ bill protecting landowners from lawsuits

Oregon’s governor has signed a temporary stopgap to shield landowners — including local governments — from lawsuits when people are injured while using public trails.

Landowners that allow the public to recreate on their property have long been shielded from lawsuits for injuries on public land.

Last year, however, a court found the city of Newport could be held liable after a woman broke her leg while walking on a wet bridge, causing some local governments to close recreation areas.