Bill to return amusement-ride inspections to fire marshal advances with insurance amendment

Senators heard testimony on HB 9 37, a bill the sponsors said was drafted after an October incident in New Roads in which three young girls were ejected from a ride. The sponsor said the fire marshal's office and stakeholders had worked together on changes designed to improve ride-safety oversight.

Fire Marshal Adams testified that the office had trained about 40 staff to take national certification tests to perform inspections; the marshal said the office has already been working with the amusement-ride industry to ensure the legislation improves public safety. "We have, since we had filed the legislation, trained about 40 people in our office to become NARSO certified to do those inspections," Adams said.

Committee discussion focused on an amendment addressing liability insurance. The sponsor explained an amendment would reduce a proposed insurance threshold from $2,000,000 to $1,000,000; the committee adopted the amendment and then voted to move the bill as amended.

What happens next: HB 9 37, as amended, is reported favorably to the full Senate. Sponsors said the fire marshal's office will continue training and coordination with the amusement industry as the bill proceeds.