Bill > H2194

This bill establishes an Amusement Ride and Device Board within the department of public safety, composed of the commissioner of public safety or their designee and ten appointed members with expertise in various amusement industry sectors, including amusement parks, carnivals, fairs, waterparks, and family entertainment centers, along with a public representative. The board is tasked with adopting and enforcing rules and regulations for the inspection, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of amusement rides and devices, aligning with standards set by ASTM International, an organization that develops technical standards. To operate commercially, amusement rides and devices must be licensed annually by the board, requiring proof of liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 and a satisfactory inspection report from a board-certified inspector. The bill also outlines responsibilities for owners, manufacturers, and patrons, including safety procedures, maintenance programs, and patron conduct, and establishes a one-year statute of limitations for injury claims against owners or operators, with a 90-day notice requirement for incidents unless the facility had actual knowledge or a reasonable opportunity to learn of the injury. Violations of these provisions can result in fines, and amusement rides and devices are explicitly exempted from the building code and the jurisdiction of the board of building regulations and standards.