Panel OKs Bill to Close Kentucky’s Amusement Ride Loophole

Kentucky is coming closer to closing a loophole that allows amusement ride operators to avoid paying fines for safety violations.

The House Committee on Agriculture and Small Business has approved a bill that requires operators to pay fines regardless of a change in their business’s name or ownership. Operators have been able to dodge fines after transferring ownership or renaming themselves, according to Sen. Morgan McGarvey, D-Louisville, the bill’s sponsor. McGarvey told The Associated Press his bill stems from a state investigation into an amusement ride operator. The senator declined to comment further because the investigation is ongoing.

The bill was approved on a 21-0 vote Monday. It now proceeds to the full House for consideration. The Senate already approved the bill.