The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act increases oversight of amusement park rides by including permanently fixed rides under the Consumer Product Safety Commission's authority and allocates additional funding for safety activities.
André Carson
Representative
IN-7
The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act amends the Consumer Product Safety Act to include oversight of amusement park rides permanently fixed to a site. It authorizes an additional $11.5 million annually to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, allocating $6.5 million specifically for permanently fixed amusement rides. The Act defines covered devices as mechanical devices carrying passengers for amusement along a fixed route, typically controlled by an employee.
New Bill Brings Safety Standards to Fixed Amusement Park Rides: Consumer Product Safety Commission to Oversee
The National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act is stepping in to make those towering roller coasters and spinning teacups at permanent amusement parks a bit safer. This bill puts the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in charge of overseeing safety for rides that are bolted down, not just the traveling carnival ones. Think Six Flags, not just the county fair.
Thrills, Spills, and Oversight
This law amends the Consumer Product Safety Act, giving the CPSC the power to regulate those mega-rides that are permanent fixtures. And it's not just paperwork; the bill adds $11.5 million annually to the CPSC's budget. That's split into $5 million for mobile rides and $6.5 million specifically for the permanent ones. (SEC. 2)
What's a "Covered Device?"
Here's where it gets specific: a "covered device," as the bill calls it, is basically any mechanical ride that carries you along a set path, controlled by an employee, and meant for fun. (SEC. 2) So, your roller coaster? Covered. That little train ride at the kiddie park? Probably covered. The go-karts you steer yourself? Not covered.
Real-World Rollercoaster
Imagine a family heading to a major theme park. Under this new law, the rides they're lining up for will have to meet CPSC standards. If a park cuts corners on maintenance and someone gets hurt, the CPSC can step in. It’s about making sure the fun doesn't come with unnecessary risks.
The Price of Fun
Now, more oversight might mean parks have to spend more on upkeep and inspections. Could that mean higher ticket prices? Possibly. But the flip side is that a safer park might attract more visitors, balancing out those costs. It's a trade-off – potentially paying a bit more for a significantly safer experience.
Keeping it Real
This bill aims to standardize safety across the board. Right now, regulations can vary wildly from state to state. This creates a national baseline. But, like any new rulebook, the devil's in the details. How quickly will the CPSC roll out these new standards? How tough will they be? And will they have the teeth to really enforce them? Those are the questions that will determine if this bill truly makes a difference in your next park visit.