Connecticut Senate Bill SB00208

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Concerning Playground Equipment Safety Standards.

Impact

The legislation specifies that the updated standards should take effect by October 1, 2015, requiring all playgrounds to comply with these regulations through a clear timetable outlined by the Commissioner. By making these regulations equivalent to nationally recognized safety standards, the bill seeks to protect children from hazards associated with poorly maintained or outdated playground equipment. This measure is intended to enhance community awareness and responsibility concerning playground safety.

Summary

SB00208, titled 'An Act Concerning Playground Equipment Safety Standards', aims to enhance the regulatory framework governing playground safety in Connecticut. This bill mandates the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to adopt updated regulations for playground equipment, ensuring they align with the standards set forth in the Public Playground Safety Handbook by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. The intent is to improve safety measures for children using playground facilities across the state.

Contention

While most discussions surrounding SB00208 support its goals of improving safety, there may be concerns regarding the financial implications for municipalities tasked with updating their playgrounds to meet the new standards. Some local officials could view the timeline for compliance as challenging, primarily due to budget constraints. Additionally, municipalities would need to allocate resources for training programs facilitated by the Department of Consumer Protection to ensure proper implementation of the new standards.