The Kansas House has advanced a bill that would add new inspection requirements and other regulations for amusement park rides. The legislation comes after a lawmaker’s son died on a water slide last year.
Ten-year-old Caleb Schwab was killed on the slide Verrückt in Kansas City, Kansas. During an emotional speech, Republican Representative Scott Schwab asked lawmakers to approve the new regulations to help prevent future injuries.
“This bill’s really not about Caleb. It’s for the next kid that goes some place in Kansas for a fun weekend,” says Schwab.
The proposal would require annual inspections for rides and sets requirements for inspectors. It also sets rules for insurance minimums and reporting injuries.
The bill still needs a final vote in the House and consideration in the Senate.