CARNIVAL-AMUSEMENT SAFETY BOARD                                                          H.B. 4691:

                                                                               SUMMARY OF HOUSE-PASSED BILL

                                                                                                         IN COMMITTEE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Bill 4691 (as passed by the House)

Sponsor:  Representative Andrea LaFontaine

House Committee:  Regulatory Reform

Senate Committee:  Regulatory Reform

 

Date Completed:  5-1-14

 

CONTENT

 

The bill would repeal sections of the Carnival-Amusement Safety Act that deal with the Carnival-Amusement Safety Board, and would transfer the Board's responsibilities to the Department of Licensing and Regulation (LARA).

 

The Act provides for the inspection, licensure, and regulation of carnival and amusement rides.

 

Section 3 established the seven-member Carnival-Amusement Safety Board. The Board includes the LARA Director and six members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the appointed members, two must represent the general public and one must represent each of the following:  park operators, ride operators, retail merchants, and licensed professional engineers.

 

Section 4 requires the Board to conduct its business at public meetings, to meet at least two times each year, and to elect officers.

 

Section 5 requires the Legislature annually to establish Board members' per diem compensation and the schedule for reimbursement of their expenses.

 

The bill would repeal Sections 3, 4, and 5.

 

Under the bill, LARA would be responsible for the promulgation of rules for the safe installation, repair, maintenance, use, operation, and inspection of carnival-amusement rides. The Act currently assigns those responsibilities to the Board. The Act also provides that a carnival-amusement ride may be inspected each time it is disassembled and reassembled. The bill would allow LARA to perform these inspections.

 

MCL 408.656 et al.                                                   Legislative Analyst:  Patrick Affholter

 

FISCAL IMPACT

 

The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.

 

                                                                                        Fiscal Analyst:  Josh Sefton

This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.