Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB740

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/6/23
• Refer: 12/6/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Regulating trampoline parks, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

The implications of Assembly Bill 740 are significant, as it introduces formal oversight of trampoline parks, which previously operated with little regulation. The bill outlines specific duties for park operators, such as ensuring staff training, compliance with safety standards, and the implementation of emergency response plans. One essential component is the requirement for annual inspections by the DSPS to ensure that operators are adhering to the new regulations. This aims to enhance safety for park users and reduce liability risks for operators by establishing clear expected standards of operation.

Summary

Assembly Bill 740 aims to establish a regulatory framework for trampoline parks in the state. The bill mandates that no individual may operate a trampoline park without first obtaining an annual license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). As part of the licensing process, operators are required to pay a specified fee and provide proof of liability insurance with coverage limits set at $1,000,000 in the aggregate and $500,000 per incident. The bill also outlines the standards for compliance that the park operators must meet regarding safety practices, equipment, and participant monitoring.

Contention

Notable points of contention could arise from the exemptions built into the bill. The legislation exempts certain facilities such as incidental playgrounds run by public entities, non-recreational training facilities, and inflatable equipment, which could create debates about fairness and whether the regulations could lead to uneven oversight across different types of recreational facilities. Moreover, the bill places considerable responsibilities on participants, requiring them to understand and accept the inherent risks associated with trampoline activities, which may raise concerns regarding accountability and the potential for liability disputes in the case of injuries.