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SB 837

Ride Safe, Insure Smart Act.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Woodson Bradley

Mandates public motocross facilities carry at least $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate liability insurance, with proof and rules to enforce.

Passed 1st Reading
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 837

Summary of SB 837 (Ride Safe, Insure Smart Act)

Jurisdiction: North Carolina
Session: 2025
Sponsor: Senator Bradley (Primary)

Purpose and intent

SB 837 would establish mandatory liability insurance requirements for motocross facilities that are open to the public. The act is designed to ensure financial responsibility for injuries or property damage arising from the operation of motocross facilities and use of off-road devices (ATVs and off-road motorcycles).

Key provisions

New Article: Financial Responsibility for Certain Motocross Facilities (Chapter 66)

  • Creation of Article 52, “Financial Responsibility for Certain Motocross Facilities.”

  • Definitions:

    • Motocross facility: facility with courses and related facilities for races or skills competitions involving ATVs or off-road motorcycles.
    • Other terms: ATV, motorcycle, off-road motorcycle, commissioner (Insurance Commissioner), and “person” (broadly defined to include individuals and entities).

  • Insurance requirement (§ 66-512(a)):

    • A person may not own or operate a motocross facility unless they carry liability insurance of at least:
    • $1,000,000 per occurrence, and
    • $2,000,000 in the aggregate.
    • The policy cannot have per-person sublimits.
    • Must notify the Commissioner immediately if the policy is canceled, suspended, or nonrenewed.

  • Proof of insurance (§ 66-512(b)):

    • Facility operators must provide proof of insurance to the Commissioner upon request.
    • If proof is not provided, the Commissioner may prohibit facility operations until proof is supplied.

  • Acceptable insurer (§ 66-512(c)):

    • Insurance must be through an insurer or surety acceptable to the Commissioner and authorized to transact business in NC.
    • The Commissioner cannot accept a standard commercial general liability policy unless it requires written notice to the insured at least 30 days before any cancellation, suspension, or nonrenewal.

  • Exceptions (§ 66-513):

    • Private-property motocross facilities not open to the public and with no fee charged.
    • Facilities owned/operated by the State, a unit of local government, or political subdivision.

  • Rulemaking authority (§ 66-514):

    • The Commissioner shall adopt rules to implement the article.

Appropriation

  • A nonrecurring $50,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Insurance for an awareness campaign about risks to young riders.

Effective dates

  • Rulemaking authority becomes effective upon enactment.
  • The remainder of the act (noted provisions) becomes effective July 1, 2027.

Who is affected

  • Operators and owners of motocross facilities open to the public in North Carolina.
  • The North Carolina Department of Insurance (administrative oversight and enforcement).
  • Off-road riders, particularly youths and families, who use or participate in motocross facilities.
  • Private facilities on private property not open to the public, and government-operated facilities, may be exempt.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill directs immediate notification obligations to the Commissioner if a policy is canceled or nonrenewed.
  • The rulemaking component (66-514) becomes active upon enactment.
  • The substantive insurance requirements take effect on July 1, 2027, allowing time for compliance, policy procurement, and any rule implementation.

Potential impact

  • Increases financial protection for participants and the public by mandating higher liability coverage for motocross facilities.
  • Could affect facility operating costs, insurance procurement, and entrance/usage fees indirectly.
  • May reduce uncompensated risk for injuries and property damage and provide clearer remedies in the event of incidents at facilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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