H.R. 1855: National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act

This bill, known as the National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act, aims to amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to ensure that amusement rides which are permanently fixed to a location are treated as consumer products. Here are the key points of the bill:

Amendment to Consumer Product Safety Act

The bill proposes to remove the current language in the Consumer Product Safety Act that excludes permanently fixed amusement rides from being classified as consumer products. By striking this exclusion, the bill seeks to ensure that these rides are subject to safety regulations and oversight imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Funding for Safety Oversight

The legislation additionally authorizes funding specifically aimed at enhancing the safety oversight of amusement rides. It allocates a total of $11.5 million annually for CPSC activities related to both covered devices that are permanently fixed to a site and those that are not:

• $5 million each year for activities concerning amusement rides that are not permanently fixed.
• $6.5 million each year for activities regarding amusement rides that are permanently fixed.

Definition of Covered Device

The bill defines a "covered device" as a mechanical device that transports passengers along a fixed or restricted route or within a defined area for amusement purposes. It highlights that these devices are usually operated by employed individuals, distinguishing them from consumer-operated devices.

Purpose

The overall purpose of this legislation is to enhance the safety and regulatory framework for amusement park rides, improving protection for patrons by ensuring that rides fixed in place are monitored under the same safety standards as other consumer products.

Relevant Companies

None found.