Public health: amusement parks and COVID-19.
The bill is anchored in the stark economic implications of amusement park closures, which have led to significant financial strain not only on the parks but also on employees, surrounding businesses, and local governments. The amusement park sector is vital for California's economy, supporting over 143,000 jobs and generating substantial annual revenue. By facilitating the purchase of personal protective equipment through a competitive grant program funded by a $500,000 appropriation from the General Fund, AB420 seeks to enhance the safety protocols at these parks to reassure health officials and the public.
Assembly Bill 420, introduced by Assembly Members Quirk-Silva and Valladares, aims to support California amusement parks during the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill proposes that the California executive branch adjust the COVID-19 INDUSTRY GUIDANCE to categorize all amusement parks, regardless of their size, under the moderate risk tier instead of the minimal risk tier. This adjustment is crucial for providing a clearer path toward reopening these parks, which have faced prolonged closures due to health-related restrictions.
The sentiment towards AB420 appears to be largely supportive among legislators and industry stakeholders who emphasize the necessity of reopening amusement parks as integral to economic recovery. However, concerns remain about the potential health risks associated with reopening such environments amidst the pandemic. Discussions have pointed out that other venues similar to amusement parks are allowed to operate under less restrictive conditions, highlighting frustrations among amusement park operators who argue for equitable treatment.
Notably, a point of contention surrounds whether sufficient evidence exists to deem amusement parks as low-risk environments for COVID-19 transmission. Critics reference that while other industries with potentially higher risks are reopening, amusement parks continue to be placed under stricter guidelines. This discrepancy calls into question state priorities and has fueled arguments for a reevaluation of the risk assessment that currently informs operational tiers for amusement parks. Overall, AB420 represents a critical legislative attempt to safeguard the amusement park industry as it navigates an unprecedented public health crisis.