Relates to amusement devices, attraction awareness and inspections

Title of bill

An act to amend the labor law, in relation to amusement device and attraction awareness

Purpose

To provide the public access to an amusement device or attraction's safety and licensing history.

Summary of provisions

Section 1. Already-required safety notices on amusement devices and attractions would also have to display the electronic address of a website that allows the public to browse the safety and licensing history of individual rides.

Section 2. Specifies the kind of information to be included by the Department of Labor on their safety and licensing website.

Section 3. Enacting clause.

Justification

The Department of Labor's Division of Safety and Health is responsible for the licensing and inspection of all amusement devices and attractions operating in New York State. The Division maintains an over-all impressive safety record, protecting county fair, amusement park and carnival visitors alike. However, a number of high-profile accidents and tragedies over the years have brought to light the need to update and clarify much of the information used to determine a ride's fitness for public use. This information needs to be available to the public it is meant to protect.

This legislation directs the Department of Labor to make available consumer-relevant safety and licensing information through a publicly accessible website. The information required to be posted would include the annual licensing inspection report, any reported accidents, and any issued violations and fines, as well as the criteria used by Department officials to deem an amusement device safe for use. Over the past three years, the Division of Safety and Health has maintained electronic records of all of this information. In the summer of 2011, the Division also look the step of opening some of this information to the public. This proposal statutorily codifies what has been already been released and expands the type of information available.

When families visit amusement parks, carnivals or county fairs, they essentially put their lives into the hands of the park operator, who they must trust to be safe, responsible, law-abiding. This legislation gives consumers the ability to make that determination for themselves.

Legislative history

2013-14: S.3185/A.435 Passed Senate/Referred to Labor 2011-12: S.5868-A/A.8985-A Passed Senate/Referred to Labor

Fiscal implications

None

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the two hundred fortieth day of being signed into law, except that any rule or regulation necessary for the timely implementation of this act on its effective date shall be promulgated on or before such date.