By: Ortega, Lucio III, Vo, Oliverson, H.B. No. 897
Lambert
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to safety requirements for a person directly operating an
amusement ride.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter C, Chapter 2151, Occupations Code, is
amended by adding Section 2151.1013 to read as follows:
Sec. 2151.1013. AMUSEMENT RIDE ATTENDANT SAFETY
REQUIREMENTS. (a) In this section:
(1) "Dispatcher" means a ride operator stationed at
the top of an elevated waterslide to maintain order, direct patrons
on when to depart the top of the slide, and ensure patrons begin the
ride safely.
(2) "Ride operator" means a person actually engaged in
the control of an amusement ride or directly controlling an
amusement ride. The term does not include a certified lifeguard,
other than a certified lifeguard working as a dispatcher, on a
water-based amusement ride.
(b) A ride operator must be:
(1) at least 16 years of age; and
(2) trained in the proper use and operation of the
amusement ride the person is operating.
(c) A ride operator may not operate more than one amusement
ride simultaneously unless the operator is working as a dispatcher
for adjacent or proximate elevated waterslides.
(d) A ride operator may not operate an amusement ride if the
operator's operation of the ride constitutes an offense under
Section 49.065, Penal Code.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2019.