Senate Bill 837, titled the Ride Safe, Insure Smart Act, would create a new Article in Chapter 66 of the North Carolina General Statutes requiring certain motocross facilities open to the public to carry liability insurance. Covered facilities would include venues with courses and support areas used for ATV or off-road motorcycle races or skills competitions. The bill sets minimum coverage at $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, prohibits per-person sublimits, requires notice to the Commissioner of Insurance if coverage is canceled or not renewed, and authorizes the Commissioner to require proof of insurance and stop operation of a facility that cannot show compliance.
The bill excludes private, nonpublic facilities with no fee charged, as well as facilities owned or operated by the State or local governments. It also directs the Commissioner of Insurance to adopt implementing rules. In addition, the bill appropriates $50,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Insurance for an awareness campaign focused on risks to young riders. The operative provisions would take effect July 1, 2027, while the rulemaking authority becomes effective when the act becomes law.
Impact
The bill would add a new regulatory and insurance compliance framework for privately operated motocross facilities in North Carolina, placing them under the oversight of the Commissioner of Insurance. It would create a new statutory obligation for facility owners and operators to maintain specified liability coverage, provide proof on request, and face suspension of operations for noncompliance. The measure would not affect private nonpublic tracks without fees or publicly owned facilities, but it would impose new costs and administrative requirements on covered commercial or public-facing motocross venues and their insurers.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears framed as a rider-safety and consumer-protection proposal, with an emphasis on liability coverage and public awareness about risks to young riders. The absence of recorded opposition or amendments means the overall sentiment cannot be reliably assessed beyond the bill’s stated safety-oriented purpose.
Contention
The main likely point of contention is the cost and feasibility of the mandated insurance coverage for motocross facility owners and operators, especially smaller private businesses that would need to secure at least $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate coverage. Another possible issue is the Commissioner of Insurance’s authority to determine acceptable insurers, require proof of coverage, and halt operations for noncompliance, which could be viewed as a significant regulatory burden. Supporters would likely emphasize injury prevention, financial responsibility, and protection for riders and the public, while opponents may focus on increased operating costs, insurance availability, and the impact on recreational motorsports businesses.