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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to safety requirements for amusement ride operators. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 2151, Occupations Code, is |
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amended by adding Section 2151.1013 to read as follows: |
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Sec. 2151.1013. RIDE OPERATOR SAFETY REQUIREMENTS. (a) In |
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this section: |
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(1) "Dispatcher" means a ride operator stationed at |
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the top of an elevated waterslide amusement ride to maintain order |
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and direct patrons to safely enter and depart the top of the slide. |
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(2) "Ride operator" means a person who directly |
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controls or has the duty to directly control the operation of an |
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amusement ride. The term does not include a certified lifeguard, |
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other than a certified lifeguard working as a dispatcher. |
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(b) A ride operator must be: |
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(1) at least 16 years of age; and |
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(2) trained in the proper use and operation of the |
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amusement ride the person is operating. |
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(c) A ride operator may not simultaneously operate more than |
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one amusement ride unless the operator is a dispatcher for adjacent |
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or proximate elevated waterslide amusement rides. |
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(d) A ride operator may not operate an amusement ride if the |
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operator's operation of the ride constitutes an offense under |
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Section 49.065, Penal Code. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023. |