CCS/SCS/HCS/HB 276 - This act creates new sections requiring the Department of Public Safety to regulate amusement rides. If a person is killed or seriously injured on a ride, the operator is required to immediately cease its operation and send a report to the Department within twenty-four hours. The ride shall not be used until the Department has conducted a safety inspection.

All maintenance, inspection and accident records shall be kept on the premises for three years, and shall be made available to the Department upon request.

The Department may obtain an injunction against any operator that fails to comply with this act. Violations of the act shall be a Class A misdemeanor, and each day in violation is a separate offense.

Nonmotorized playground equipment, including swings and slides, municipal or county park waterslides, and trampolines are exempt. Political subdivisions of the state may also license or regulate rides.

The act shall not be construed to alter the duty of care or liability of an owner, or the duty of care of a passenger or parent or guardian of a passenger. The state shall not be construed to assume any liability by administering this act.

Passengers of amusement rides are required to obey safety rules, and refrain from unsafe conduct that may injure themselves or others, including disconnecting safety devices and extending arms and legs outside of the ride. Any violation shall be a Class A misdemeanor.

Before getting on a ride, passengers have a duty to read and follow safety rules, know and not exceed their own abilities, not allow alcohol or drugs to impede their use of the ride, and determine that they are authorized by the owner or agent to get on the ride.

New rules language has been added.
TOM MORTON