News: Kentucky bill passes to tighten regulations on rides

Posted at 1:44 PM EDT (1744 GMT)

Apr. 3rd, 2008 -- A bill that would enact greater restrictions and penalties on amusement parks in Kentucky is headed to the governor’s desk.

The Senate voted unanimously on April 1 to pass the bill that would raise the maximum fine the state Department of Agriculture could levy on a park from $1,000 to $10,000.  The agency oversees ride safety in Kentucky.

The bill was drafted in the wake of an accident at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom last June where a girl’s feet were severed.

Lawmakers also included as part of their state spending plan, $500,000 to hire additional ride inspectors.

Senate Bill 203 also lets the Agriculture Department establish a set of administrative violations and procedures for revoking licenses or other certificates issued by the department to ride operators.

The bill also requires that all operators of amusement rides be at least 18, and that theme parks get the ride manufacturer's approval before installing replacement parts.

Kentucky Kingdom officials have said they strongly oppose the age requirement, arguing that the ability to operate a ride lies in training, not age.

For more information, visit Courier-Journal.

ThrillNetwork brings you news and information about amusement parks, theme parks, roller coasters and thrill rides. Here you will find up-to-date news and travel discounts on your favorite parks including, Six Flags, Cedar Point, Cedar Fair, Disney World, Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal Studios Orlando, Busch Gardens Tampa, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and Paramount Parks.