MontanaSB 11069th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)SenateWALLET

Revise laws relating to amusement rides and safety

Sponsored By: Wendy McKamey (Republican)

Became Law

Recreation/Parks/SportsSafety

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

First aid, daily checks, and signs

Operators must use reasonable care in building, upkeep, running, and supervising rides. They must have an adequately staffed first-aid station and a place to report injuries; one shared station can serve a fair. They must inspect each ride every day before opening using ASTM F770-22 and F1193-22 section 6. They must post clear signs with instructions, safety rules, restrictions, and the state-law warning to obey rules and report injuries. These steps improve safety but add staffing and compliance costs.

Insurance and duties after ride injuries

Operators must carry liability insurance from a Montana-authorized insurer. The policy must cover at least $500,000 for one person and $1,000,000 for two or more per occurrence. After any reported serious injury, a qualified inspector investigates, and the ride stays closed until the inspector says it is safe. The operator pays for the investigation; if rider rule-breaking caused the injury, the investigation ends. When an injured person files a report, the operator must share key ride, maintenance, witness, and inspection details, keep the report 3 years, and allow viewing during business hours.

Annual ride inspections and certificates

Each ride is inspected by a qualified inspector at least every 12 months from the last certificate date. You cannot operate a ride without a current certificate, and any major change needs an inspection before riders board. Inspectors must be independent and be a professional engineer or hold Level 1 safety credentials. Certificates show compliance with ASTM F770-22 and/or F2376-22 when they apply, and Montana accepts equivalent foreign certificates. The inspector sets the fee, and the operator pays it; short-term setups (30 days or less at one location) are excluded.

Rider safety rules and injury reporting

Riders must follow posted rules and operator instructions. Do not throw objects, disable safety devices, operate controls, or ride while impaired. Operators may remove rule-breakers without a refund and may refuse a ride if they believe you are impaired. If you are hurt, report it before leaving and, if possible, within 6 months. Your report must list your contact info, what happened, the date, time, place, ride, and any witnesses.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Wendy McKamey
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Ken Walsh
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 250 • No: 45

Senate vote • 3/25/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 94 • No: 5

Senate vote • 3/24/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 91 • No: 7

Senate vote • 2/10/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 33 • No: 16

Senate vote • 2/7/2025