| Alabama | Releases ordinary negligence, records risks for assumption of risk, carries the equine contract warning. | Generally enforced Clear releases of ordinary negligence upheld for voluntary recreation (Barnes, 1989); not wanton conduct. | Generally not enforced No state appellate ruling; a federal court applying Alabama law rejected a parent-signed release (2010). |
| Alaska | Releases negligence, parent forms covered by statute, records inherent risks, experience and medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced for recreation if conspicuous, unequivocal, names "negligence," no safety promises (Donahue 2014). | Allowed by statute Parents may waive a child's negligence claims vs. recreation providers, not reckless acts (AS 09.65.292). |
| Arizona | Defense at trial; equine, motor sport, ski and river release statutes; guest's own fault; rules; medical. | Limited Allowed but strictly construed; a jury decides a waiver's assumption of risk defense (Phelps, 2005). | Unsettled Equine law (A.R.S. 12-553) accepts parent-signed releases; no general statute or appellate ruling. |
| Arkansas | Releases negligence when clear, records the signer's knowledge, carries the agritourism contract warning. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced if clear, knowing, beneficial and fair (Plant 2001; Jordan 2005); strictly construed. | Unsettled No Arkansas statute or appellate ruling on parents waiving a child's future injury claims. |
| California | Releases ordinary negligence for adults and kids, records risks and rules, collects consent and medical info. | Generally enforced Clear releases of ordinary negligence enforced for recreation unless Tunkl public-interest factors apply. | Generally enforced Parent-signed releases of a child's ordinary negligence claims enforced (Hohe, 1990; Aaris, 1998). |
| Colorado | Releases negligence for adults and kids, can give agritourism notice by signed statement, equine warning. | Generally enforced Enforced for recreation if clear (Jones v. Dressel factors); not for statutory ski duties (Miller 2024). | Allowed by statute Parents may waive a child's prospective negligence claims, not gross negligence (C.R.S. 13-22-107). |
| Connecticut | Records inherent risks (outside Hanks), works with ski and riding statutes, rules, medical info. | Limited Must name negligence (Hyson); even clear waivers void for public recreation (Hanks 2005, Reardon 2006). | Unsettled No appellate ruling; a 2020 trial court refused a gym's claim under a release a party host signed. |
| Delaware | Releases negligence when worded clearly, carries the equine contract warning, records which form applies. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced if crystal clear and naming the business's own negligence (Ketler v. PFPA, Del. 2016). | Unsettled Trial courts have applied parent-signed waivers (Hong 2012); Delaware Supreme Court has not ruled. |
| Florida | Records warnings (claimant >50% at fault can't recover), equine/agritourism notices, arbitration. | Generally enforced Clear, unequivocal waivers enforced; word 'negligence' not required (Sanislo v. Give Kids the World, 2015). | Allowed by statute Parents may waive a child's inherent-risk claims against commercial providers with the F.S. 744.301(3) notice. |
| Georgia | Signed waiver is required for agritourism immunity; equine contract notice; record of warnings. | Enforced, strict rules Valid if explicit, prominent, clear and unambiguous (McFann 2004; Holmes 2007); not gross negligence. | Unsettled No Georgia statute or appellate ruling; a federal court enforced a guardian-signed release (2021). |
| Hawaii | Inherent-risk releases with full disclosure, motorsports releases, equine ability records, early notice. | Limited Releases cover disclosed inherent risks (HRS 663-1.54); recreation businesses stay liable for negligence. | Unsettled Motorsports releases bind minors only if a parent signs (HRS 663-10.95); otherwise no verified rule. |
| Idaho | Records the hazards guests were warned of; agritourism contract warning; rules and medical info. | Generally enforced Adult recreation releases generally enforced, unless a statutory public duty applies (Vaughan, 2025). | Unsettled No Idaho statute or appellate ruling on whether a parent can waive a child's claims. |
| Illinois | Parent's own claims (Meyer dicta), equine contract warning, record of warnings, medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced if clear, explicit and unequivocal; strictly construed (Harris v. Walker; Cox v. US Fitness). | Generally not enforced Parent's waiver may bar the parent's own claim, but not the child's without approval (Meyer, 1994). |
| Indiana | Signed release can satisfy agritourism notice (e-sign allowed); inherent-risk claims; record of warnings. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced if it specifically and explicitly refers to the releasee's negligence (Brooks, 2024; Larky, 2025). | Generally enforced Ct. App. upheld a parent-signed youth league release (Wabash County YMCA, 2012); no Supreme Court ruling. |
| Iowa | Agritourism and animal-activity notices in signed contracts/waivers; record of warnings; medical info. | Generally enforced Releases of a party's own negligence are enforceable and not against public policy (Huber v. Hovey, 1993). | Generally not enforced Parent-signed pre-injury releases of a child's claims violate public policy (Galloway v. State, 2010). |
| Kansas | Agritourism contract warning, record of assumed risks (incl. animal activities), medical info. | Generally enforced Upheld unless illegal or against public policy; strictly construed (Corral, 1987; Anderson, 1990). | Unsettled No Kansas statute or appellate decision found on parents waiving a child's claims. |
| Kentucky | Unlocks farm animal and agritourism immunity; records warnings, rules, medical info and parent consent. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced when clear and unmistakable via one of four Hargis v. Baize (2005) routes; read strictly. | Generally not enforced Farm animal contracts bind via KRS 247.4027; else no bar to a child's claim vs for-profits (Miller, 2019). |
| Louisiana | Records warnings and rules, meets farm animal/agritourism notice rules, can carry arbitration. | Generally not enforced Injury releases are null under Civil Code art. 2004 (Ramirez, La. 1991). | Generally not enforced Same rule for parents; parent forms still cover consent, rules, medical info and emergency contacts. |
| Maine | Signed equine notice, enforced legal-fee clause (Lloyd), record of warnings, rules, medical info, consent. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced for recreation when negligence release is spelled out 'with the greatest particularity' (Lloyd). | Generally not enforced Doyle (1979) footnote: a parent can't release a child's cause of action; a 2000 trial court agreed (Rice). |
| Maryland | Record of warnings supports assumption of risk (a complete defense); rules, medical info, parent consent. | Generally enforced Clear releases generally enforced; no 'magic words' needed; three Wolf v. Ford (1994) exceptions apply. | Generally enforced Parent's release of a child's negligence claims enforced (BJ's Wholesale Club v. Rosen, Md. 2013). |
| Massachusetts | Delivers the equine contract warning; records warnings, rules, parent consent and medical information. | Generally enforced Clear releases of ordinary negligence enforced for voluntary activities; word negligence not required. | Generally enforced Parent may release child's claims for voluntary sports programs (Sharon v. City of Newton, 2002). |
| Michigan | Equine waivers binding by their terms (Britten); trampoline rules record; warnings, medical info, consent. | Generally enforced Releases enforced if 'fairly and knowingly made' (Paterek); gross negligence can't be waived (Lamp). | Generally not enforced Parent's pre-injury waiver of a child's claims is unenforceable (Woodman v. Kera LLC, Mich. 2010). |
| Minnesota | Releases inherent risks even if part is void (604.055); records warnings, rules, consent and health info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced when clearly covering own negligence (Lund 2025, Justice 2022); 604.055 voids greater fault. | Unsettled Ct. App. (2021) said parents generally may sign; Supreme Court hasn't decided. Void for inflatables. |
| Mississippi | Clear releases possible; equine and agritourism warnings in contracts; guest's own fault; rules; medical. | Limited Not void, but must be clear and unmistakable; disfavored and strictly construed (Turnbough; Ghane). | Unsettled No appellate ruling on parent-signed releases; a minor's own release is not binding (Colyer, 2016). |
| Missouri | Arbitration/delegation clause enforced (Karlin); equine and agritourism notices; warnings, rules, consent. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced when "negligence" or "fault" is used conspicuously (Alack v. Vic Tanny; DeCormier, 2014). | Unsettled Parent authority to waive a child's claims undecided; Karlin (Mo. 2025) sent the issue to arbitration. |
| Montana | Statutory recreation/equine waivers, record of inherent risks assumed by law, rules, medical info. | Limited Recreation and equine waivers meeting MCA 27-1-753 or 27-1-727 allowed; others void (MCA 28-2-702). | Unsettled No statute or appellate decision on parent-signed releases for children. |
| Nebraska | Records risks (express assumption of risk in Mayer); delivers equine and agritourism warnings; medical info. | Generally enforced Clear releases of ordinary negligence enforced for recreation (Mayer, 1985; Sinu, 2023); not gross negligence. | Unsettled Release by an 18-year-old and parent enforced (Sinu, 2023); no ruling on younger children. Minors: under 19. |
| Nevada | Records the risks each guest knew (key in Renaud); youth head injury forms (NRS 455A.200); medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Valid but strictly construed; must expressly cover the business's own negligence (Agricultural Aviation). | Unsettled No Nevada statute or appellate decision on parents waiving a child's claims. |
| New Hampshire | Records risks and rules each guest accepted; backs up ski and equine inherent-risk laws; medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced for recreation if they pass the Barnes three-part test; strictly construed (McGrath, 2009). | Unsettled No N.H. Supreme Court ruling; trial courts applying N.H. law refused parent-signed releases (McKenna). |
| New Jersey | A parent's arbitration agreement can cover a child's claims (Hojnowski); records risks; medical info. | Generally enforced Clear adult waivers tied to activity risks enforced (Stelluti, 2010); premises-wide waivers rejected. | Generally not enforced Parent's arbitration agreement enforced; parent's waiver unenforceable at commercial facilities (Hojnowski). |
| New Mexico | Records the specific risks courts look for (Peck); parent consent; rider experience; medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforceable if clear, conspicuous and passing Tunkl (Berlangieri, 2003); not for horseback riding. | Generally enforced Ct. App. enforced a parent's e-signed gym waiver for a child (Peck v. G-Force, 2024-NMCA-067). |
| New York | Releases for instruction and events outside 5-326; records inherent risks for assumption of risk; rules. | Limited Enforced if clear for lessons and road races; void at fee-charging recreation venues (GOL 5-326). | Generally not enforced A parent's release does not bind the child (Alexander v. Kendall Cent. Sch. Dist., 4th Dept. 1995). |
| North Carolina | Contract warning keeps equine and agritourism immunity available; records risks, rider ability, medical info. | Generally enforced Enforced if clear, unless public interest, a statutory duty or unequal bargaining power (Hall; Fortson). | Unsettled No state appellate ruling found; federal court predicted enforcement for a school activity (Kelly, 2011). |
| North Dakota | Records risks and rules; parent consent and pickup for youth programs; rider experience; medical info. | Generally enforced Clear negligence releases enforced (Reed, 1999; Kondrad, 2003); willful injury barred by N.D.C.C. 9-08-02. | Unsettled Parent-signed release enforced in Kondrad (2003), but parental authority was not raised or decided. |
| Ohio | Records risks (primary assumption of risk), equine statutory waiver, parent's own claims, rules, medical. | Generally enforced Clear and unequivocal negligence releases generally upheld; not willful or wanton misconduct (Bowen). | Limited Parents can release a child's claims for nonprofit volunteer sports (Zivich, 1998); for-profit open. |
| Oklahoma | Agritourism contract warning, livestock ability answers, parent's own claims, rules, medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced if clear, no vast bargaining gap, not against policy (Schmidt, 1996); posted notices void. | Generally not enforced Parent's own claims barred; federal court predicted child's claims are not (Wethington, 2015). |
| Oregon | Adult equine release (ORS 30.693), agritourism contract notice, risk disclosure record, medical info. | Enforced, strict rules SB 1517 (eff. 4/7/2026) allows clear recreation releases of ordinary negligence, with carve-outs. | Allowed by statute SB 1517 lets a parent or guardian sign the release for a participant under 18 (claims from 4/7/2026). |
| Pennsylvania | Express assumption of risk (Valentino), equine knowing assumption of risk, parent's own claims, medical. | Enforced, strict rules Clear releases enforced for recreation under strict Topp Copy/Chepkevich standards; not recklessness. | Generally not enforced Parent's own claims can be released, not the child's (Simmons); no binding child to arbitration (Santiago). |
| Rhode Island | Records what guests knew (assumption of risk, Kennedy), equine contract warning, rules, medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced if it explicitly covers own negligence (Corrente; Dower). Little recreational case law. | Unsettled No Rhode Island appellate decision on parent-signed pre-injury waivers found. |
| South Carolina | Record of risks (comparative fault, Davenport), equine and agritourism contract warnings, rules, medical. | Enforced, strict rules Upheld for voluntary recreation if negligence is explicit (Huckaby; McCune); strictly construed. | Unsettled No South Carolina appellate decision on parent-signed pre-injury waivers found. |
| South Dakota | Agritourism and equine contract warnings, record of risks and rules, medical info and parent consent. | Generally enforced Clear, knowingly signed releases of ordinary negligence enforced for recreation (Holzer, 2000 SD 65). | Unsettled No South Dakota appellate decision or statute on parent-signed pre-injury waivers found. |
| Tennessee | Records warnings and rules, carries the equine contract warning, may cover parents' claims, medical info. | Generally enforced Clear releases can be enforced under the Copeland v. HealthSouth (2018) factors; not gross negligence. | Generally not enforced Parent's signature may cover the parent's own claims, not the child's (Childress 1989; Blackwell 2017). |
| Texas | Evidence of actual knowledge, agritourism agreement protection, farm animal contract warning, medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Enforced when negligence is expressly named and the release is conspicuous (Dresser v. Page, 1993). | Generally not enforced Parent can sign the agritourism agreement (CPRC 75A.004); otherwise can't waive a child's claims (Munoz). |
| Utah | Gives the equine/livestock notice (guardian can sign), records warnings and rules, collects medical info. | Generally enforced Clear recreational releases generally enforced (Berry 2007; Penunuri 2013); ski area releases void (Rothstein) | Generally not enforced Guardian may sign the equine/livestock notice or release; otherwise no release of a child's claims (Hawkins). |
| Vermont | Releases in members-only settings, records obvious inherent risks (12 V.S.A. 1037), arbitration. | Limited Enforced in members-only settings (Provoncha 2009); void for businesses open to the public (Dalury 1995). | Unsettled No Vermont Supreme Court ruling found on parents releasing a child's claims. |
| Virginia | Records risks for assumption of risk, equine waiver, agritourism contract notice, property terms. | Generally not enforced Pre-injury releases of personal injury negligence are void (Hiett, Va. 1992); property releases differ. | Generally not enforced Equine law recognizes parent-signed waivers (3.2-6202); otherwise Hiett makes no exception for parents. |
| Washington | Releases parents' own claims, records warnings and rules, records rider experience, collects medical info. | Generally enforced Clear, conspicuous releases enforced; exceptions for public policy and gross negligence (Scott, 1992). | Generally not enforced Release bars the parents' own claims, but a parent can't waive the child's own claim (Scott, 1992). |
| Washington, D.C. | Releases negligence when spelled out clearly, records initialed acknowledgments, rules and medical info. | Generally enforced Clear negligence waivers enforced; health club waiver not against public policy (Moore v. Waller, 2007). | Unsettled No D.C. statute or appellate decision found on parents waiving a child's claims. |
| West Virginia | Delivers the equine act's signed statement, motorsport risk acknowledgments, records warnings, medical info. | Generally enforced Clear recreation releases generally enforced (Murphy 1991; Addis 2013), not against safety-statute violations. | Unsettled No state supreme court ruling; federal court rejected parental indemnity where a safety statute applied. |
| Wisconsin | Records warnings under 895.525, carries the equine contract notice, rules, family consent, medical info. | Enforced, strict rules Narrow, clear releases can hold (Schabelski 2022), but courts read them strictly; Supreme Court voided four. | Unsettled No published Wisconsin appellate decision found on parents releasing a child's future claims. |
| Wyoming | Records inherent risks under the Recreation Safety Act, evidence of a fair signing, rules, medical info. | Generally enforced Clear recreation releases generally enforced under a four-part test (Schutkowski, 1986; Massengill, 2000). | Unsettled Recreation Safety Act inherent-risk rule applies at any age; no Wyoming ruling on parental releases found. |