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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Re-ref Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2026-06-23

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill updates North Carolina's ski area safety laws by defining new winter sports terms, clarifying duties for ski area operators and skiers, establishing penalties for unauthorized ski area access and hit-and-run collisions, and providing liability protections for ski area operators who follow safety requirements. The bill also exempts volunteer ski patrollers and instructors from certain wage and labor laws.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill protects both skiers and ski area operators by clearly defining safety responsibilities and reducing frivolous lawsuits against operators who follow the rules.
• •The bill establishes specific safety duties for skiers, requires operators to maintain equipment and provide inspections, and creates criminal penalties for skiers who leave collision scenes without identifying themselves—improving accountability and safety.
• •The volunteer exemption helps ski areas reduce operating costs while maintaining necessary patrol and instruction services.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may argue the bill heavily favors ski area operators by granting them broad liability immunity even in certain negligence cases, potentially limiting injured skiers' ability to recover damages.
• •Critics could contend that the 'inherent risks' definition is very broad and may shield operators from accountability for preventable accidents, and that the hit-and-run provision's exceptions (medical treatment or safety concerns) are vague enough to allow people to avoid consequences.
• •Some may also object to the volunteer wage exemption as potentially exploitative labor practice.