REPORT ON BILLS FAVORABLY REPORTED BY COMMITTEE

TITLE OF BILL:

AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF AMUSEMENT RIDES.

SPONSORS OF BILL:

REASONS FOR BILL:

To give the Commissioner of Public Safety greater authority regarding the enforcement of regulations and statutory requirements concerning amusement rides. Under current statutes, DPS only has authority over rides that carry 5 or more persons. Inspectors have observed with fewer riders, for example, bungee jumping-that are unsafe but have no recourse to shut the ride down. Changes in design and nature of rides in the past few years warrant corresponding changes in the law.

Substitute Language: Lines 12-13: Added “' Amusement' does not include an inflatable device leased for private residential use.” (LCO No. 3000)

RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:

Commissioner, Leonard Boyle of the Department of Public Safety supports the bill.

Technological changes to amusement rides have increased the need to update the definition of mechanical amusement rides. No longer are the complex “major” rides found in amusement parks. Major rides are now designed to carry fewer than five persons. Concession go-karts, aquatic rides, bungee operations and large air–supported amusement rides that have evolved into complex systems of entertainment. They are part of traveling shows and carnivals. The risks associated with these rides have increased both the frequency and severity of injuries. This proposed legislation seeks to subject these rides to the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety. The second area of change establishes a modification process to allow equivalent safety measures for amusement ride requirements. A similar modification process is identified in statute in other areas under the State Fire Marshal's jurisdiction.

NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:

None

NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:

NONE