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Kansas Lawmakers Approve Amusement Park Bill, Send It to the Governor

The Verruckt water slide in Kansas City. (Photo by Laura Spencer, KCUR)
The Verruckt water slide in Kansas City. (Photo by Laura Spencer, KCUR)

A bill that would add new inspection requirements for amusement park rides is headed to Governor Sam Brownback. The Legislature approved the regulations after a lawmaker’s son died on a water slide last year.

 

Ten-year-old Caleb Schwab was killed on the Verrückt slide in Kansas City, Kansas.

 

Republican House Speaker Ron Ryckman says he’s grateful to see the bill pass.

 

“We attempt to try to remove emotion and deal with the facts. For the most part, we did, but it’s impossible to take the emotion out of that one,” says Ryckman.

 

Rides would have to be inspected every year and the bill sets standards for inspectors. Representative Scott Schwab has said the bill isn’t about his son, it’s about preventing future injuries.

 

Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.