BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center H.B. 1070
80R10510 YDB-D By: Laubenberg (Estes)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Under the current Texas Occupations Code there are only two classes of amusement rides. This class system lumps low-risk amusement rides into the same class as roller coasters. Thus, the owners and operators of small rides are forced to acquire and pay for the same high-cost insurance policies as though they operated high-speed or high-risk roller coasters.
H.B. 1070 creates new criteria for certain amusement rides that operate in a manner similar to a train. This criteria would ensure that the ride poses minimal risk. The bill also states the insurance requirements that correspond to these certain types of low-risk amusement rides.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Section 2151.101(a), Occupations Code, to create an exception as provided by Section 2151.1011 to the prohibition against a person operating an amusement ride unless the person meets certain conditions.
SECTION 2. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 2151, Occupations Code, by adding Section 2151.1011, as follows:
Sec. 2151.1011. LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR CERTAIN AMUSEMENT RIDES. (a) Provides that this section applies only to certain Class B amusement rides.
(b) Prohibits a person from operating an amusement ride described by Subsection (a) unless the person has one of two specific types of insurance policies with not less than $1 million in aggregate coverage.
SECTION 3. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2007.