North CarolinaSB 6482025-2026 SessionSenateWALLET

Winter Sports Safety and Accidents.

Sponsored By: Buck Newton (Republican), Danny Earl Britt, Jr. (Republican), Warren Daniel (Republican)

Signed by Governor

AOCATTORNEYSCHILD CUSTODYCOMMERCECORPORATIONS, FOR-PROFITCOUNTIESCOURT CLERKSCOURT COSTS & FEESCOURTSCRIMESDEATH & DYINGDOMESTIC VIOLENCEESTATESFEESGUARDIANSHIPHOUSINGID SYSTEMSINCOMPETENTSINSTITUTIONALIZED PERSONSJUDICIAL DEPT

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 4 mixed.

Liability and rules for NC skiers

The law sets clear liability rules at ski areas. If operators follow required safety duties, they are not liable for injuries from voluntary skiing. Skiers, including competitors, are treated as accepting common skiing risks; race courses must be open for a visual check, and visible risks are on the competitor. Breaking a listed duty that causes harm (by a skier, passenger, or a parent) is negligence. Skiers must stay in control, follow signs, use brakes, avoid closed terrain, give ID after a collision unless getting care, and parents must supervise children under 14. Chairlifts and other tramways are not treated as common carriers. These liability rules apply beginning October 1, 2026.

Safer lifts and clearly marked trails

Ski areas must keep passenger tramways safe and meet state labor rules. The Department of Labor inspects and certifies lifts. Operators must train staff, maintain equipment, and keep records. Trails, vehicles, and hazards must be clearly marked. Open slopes and terrain parks must be inspected and logged at least twice a day, and general surface conditions must be posted twice daily.

Winter sports law starts Oct. 1, 2026

The law takes effect on October 1, 2026. It applies only to cases and offenses that happen on or after that date.

Limits on medical bills in court

In injury cases, juries see only the amounts actually paid for medical bills and the amounts actually needed to pay unpaid bills. You do not have to seek extra discounts beyond any contract rights. These rules apply to cases from October 1, 2026.

Crackdown on pass misuse and trespass

Using a stolen, fake, or borrowed pass, skiing without a valid pass, or entering closed lifts or trails is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Ski areas can sue for the regular price of a full season pass when someone misuses a pass or enters without permission. Staff who reasonably detain or cause the arrest of a suspected violator on the premises, with probable cause, are protected from civil suits; they must try to notify a parent if the person is a minor. These rules apply to acts on or after October 1, 2026.

Unpaid ski-area volunteers, including teens

Volunteer patrollers, instructors, event helpers, and hosts may serve without pay at ski areas. Minimum wage, overtime, youth-employment, and some record rules do not apply to these bona fide volunteers. They may receive only meals, lodging, or use of facilities. Youth under 18 may volunteer on the same terms. These rules apply beginning October 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 247 • No: 1

Senate vote • 6/30/2026

SB 648: Winter Sports Safety and Accidents.

Yes: 49 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 6/16/2026

SB 648: Winter Sports Safety and Accidents.

Yes: 114 • No: 1 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 5/1/2025

SB 648: AOC Agency Requests.-AB

Yes: 42 • No: 0 • Other: 8