Bill Summary
The "National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act" is a proposed amendment to the Consumer Product Safety Act aimed at enhancing safety regulations for amusement rides that are permanently fixed at a site, such as those found in amusement parks.
Key provisions include:
1. **Definition Adjustment**: The Act modifies the existing definition of "consumer products" to include amusement rides that are permanently installed at a location, ensuring they are subject to the same safety standards as other consumer products.
2. **Funding Authorization**: It authorizes the appropriation of $11.5 million annually to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for safety activities related to these rides. This funding is split into two categories:
- $5 million for rides that are not permanently fixed.
- $6.5 million specifically for those that are permanently fixed.
3. **Scope of "Covered Devices"**: The Act defines "covered devices" as mechanical devices that transport passengers for amusement purposes and are operated by trained personnel.
Overall, this legislation aims to improve safety oversight for amusement rides, ensuring that both fixed and non-fixed rides meet necessary safety standards to protect consumers.
Possible Impacts
The "National Amusement Park Ride Safety Act" could affect people in several ways:
1. **Increased Safety Standards**: The legislation mandates that amusement rides permanently fixed to a site be classified as consumer products, which means they will be subject to stricter safety regulations and inspections by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This could lead to enhanced safety measures, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries for riders. Families and individuals visiting amusement parks may feel more secure knowing that these rides are held to higher safety standards.
2. **Financial Impact on Amusement Parks**: With the requirement for additional funding for safety inspections and regulations, amusement parks may face increased operational costs. These costs could be passed on to consumers in the form of higher ticket prices, concessions, or fees for rides. This financial implication might affect the overall affordability of visits to amusement parks for families, potentially reducing attendance.
3. **Increased Scrutiny and Accountability**: The legislation provides for dedicated funding for oversight of both fixed and non-fixed amusement rides, enhancing accountability for amusement park operators. This could lead to a more transparent environment where consumers have access to safety records and inspection results. As a result, patrons may become more informed about the safety history of the rides they choose to enjoy, allowing them to make better choices regarding their entertainment options.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 1855 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 1855
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to ensure amusement rides
permanently fixed to a site are treated as consumer products, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 5, 2025
Mr. Carson (for himself, Ms. Tlaib, and Mrs. McIver) introduced the
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and
Commerce
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To amend the Consumer Product Safety Act to ensure amusement rides
permanently fixed to a site are treated as consumer products, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``National Amusement Park Ride Safety
Act''.
SEC. 2. AMUSEMENT RIDES PERMANENTLY FIXED TO A SITE.
(a) In General.--Section 3(a)(5) of the Consumer Product Safety Act
(15 U.S.C. 2052(a)(5)) is amended by striking ``, and which is not
permanently fixed to a site. Such term does not include such a device
which is permanently fixed to a site.'' and inserting a period.
(b) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--In addition to amounts otherwise
authorized to be appropriated to the Consumer Product Safety
Commission, there is authorized to be appropriated to the
Commission each fiscal year for activities relating to covered
devices $11,500,000, of which--
(A) $5,000,000 each fiscal year is authorized to be
appropriated exclusively for activities relating to
covered devices not permanently fixed to a site; and
(B) $6,500,000 each fiscal year is authorized to be
appropriated exclusively for activities relating to
covered devices permanently fixed to a site.
(2) Covered device defined.--In this subsection, the term
``covered device'' means a mechanical device which carries or
conveys passengers along, around, or over a fixed or restricted
route or course or within a defined area for the purpose of
giving its passengers amusement, which is customarily
controlled or directed by an individual who is employed for
that purpose and who is not a consumer with respect to such
device.
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