Legislator authors plan better protecting Michigan carnival-goers

Changes could be coming for carnivals just in time for the start of festival season across Michigan, state Rep. Thomas Albert said today before the House Regulatory Reform Committee.

Albert, of Lowell, testified in support of his plan to better protect customers at fair and carnival amusement centers. Albert said he brought the legislation forward after a Grand Rapids family experienced tragedy at a local family amusement center.

“After a constituent came to me with a story of how her sister was tragically injured at a family amusement center, we did some digging to reveal that Michigan could be doing much more to prevent accidents and emergency situations, as well as ensure residents are safe while having family fun,” Albert said. “The voluntary programs we are trying to create with these bills are modeled after North Carolina law, and will recognize businesses that take great care to train their staff and ensure emergency situations are properly handled. These programs will signal to families which amusement centers and fairs across the state go above and beyond to keep riders safe.”

Albert invited Corri Sandwick to join him in testifying about the importance of stricter safety at amusement parks. Sandwick’s sister, Rachel Gibbs, was tragically injured in a go-kart accident at AJ’s Family Fun Center near Grand Rapids. Albert says he is very grateful for Sandwick’s insight and guidance during the drafting process of the legislation.

Two measures in the four-bill package will create voluntary programs within both the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) that businesses, state fairs and festivals may participate in. The programs will focus on recognizing businesses that place a high value on staff training and patron safety. Albert’s third and fourth measures help ensure adequate funding for safety inspections of carnival rides and ski area lifts through increased operating permit fees.

Albert noted the programs would act as incentives for businesses, as carnival-goers would prefer being customers at fairs and amusement parks that provide them the peace of mind knowing they are safe.

“We want to incentivize businesses to take rider safety and staff training more seriously without overregulating the industry,” Albert said. “This plan accomplishes that by establishing voluntary programs giving recognition to amusement operators who meet the high standards set by it. Amusement centers with a gold star rating and fairs and festivals who partner with the state will be recognized on the State of Michigan’s website, easily allowing residents to see which locations meet the new safety standards.”

In addition to the creation of the Michigan Safety and Amusement Star Program and the Fair and Festival’s Partners Program, Albert’s plan will gradually raise the fees paid by amusement ride and aerial lift operators. Albert says that current fees, which have not been raised since the 1960’s, underfunds the division that inspects the safety and operation of carnival rides by roughly $600,000 annually.  This is leading to permitting delays for carnival rides, which is both bad for business operators and patrons.

“My goal in bringing these bills forward is not only to try to help prevent this from happening to other families, but also to encourage and promote carnival and amusement owners to train employees to prevent accidents and be prepared in their response when incidents do occur,” Sandwick said.

House Bills 4584-4586 and 4652 remain under consideration in the House Regulatory Reform Committee.

Photo Information: State Rep. Thomas Albert of Lowell and Corri Sandwick testify before the House Regulatory Reform Committee on Tuesday.