BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center	H.B. 1553
88R2285 ADM-F	By: Ashby (Nichols)
	Business & Commerce
	5/12/2023
	Engrossed

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

This bill addresses regulations and costs borne by many summer camps around the state operating waterslides. At the root of the problem is the definition of an "amusement ride," which includes these smaller slides in the same category as large rollercoasters. The waterslide operators are then subject to the same inspection and permitting requirements as large rollercoasters, which can be cost prohibitive. This bill would carve out vinyl waterslides less than 200 feet long that are non-mechanically inflated so that they are not subject to the same inspection and insurance obligations as that of an attraction at large amusement parks. Other activities such as ropes courses, rock climbing walls, and zip lines are already exempt from an "amusement ride" classification.

H.B. 1553 amends current law relating to the definition of amusement ride for purposes of� amusement ride regulation.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 2151.002(1), Occupations Code, as follows:

(1) Provides that the term "amusement ride" does not include:

(A) �makes no changes to this paragraph;

(B) makes a nonsubstantive change to this paragraph;

(C) a challenge course or any part of a challenge course that is excepted from Chapter 2151 (Regulation of Amusement Rides) under Section 2151.107 (Exception for Certain Challenge Courses Meeting Insurance Requirement); or

(D) a waterslide, even if operated by a mechanical device, in which passengers are carried along a course that meets certain criteria.

Deletes existing text providing that the term "amusement ride" does not include a challenge course or any part of a challenge course if the person who operates the challenge course meets certain insurance criteria. Makes a nonsubstantive change.

SECTION 2. Effective date: September 1, 2023.