Kentucky Senate Passes Bill to Tighten Rules on Amusement Park Rides

Potential fines would increase tenfold and the age of amusement park ride operators would rise under a bill the Kentucky Senate has passed unanimously.

The action follows an accident at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom last year in Louisville that severed a girl’s feet.

The bill would raise the maximum fine the state Department of Agriculture could levy on a park to $10,000, increased from $1,000. It would also require ride operators to be at least 18.

Two teenagers under 18 were operating the Superman Tower of Power on June 21 when a cable broke and severed the feet of 14-year-old Kaitlyn Lasitter.

The Courier-Journal reports that Kentucky Kingdom officials said last week they strongly oppose the age requirement and contend the ability to operate a ride lies in training and not in age.

Kaitlyn Lasitter’s father, Randy Lasitter, told the newspaper letting someone under 18 operate such complex rides gives them “too much responsibility.”

The legislation is Senate Bill 203.

Information from: The Courier-Journal,
http://www.courier-journal.com