California SB-955

proposes significant changes to the regulation of day and resident camps in California.  The bill proposes significant changes to the regulation of high risk activities such as challenge courses and zip lines at camps.  The current language of the bill would place camp challenge courses and zip lines subject to the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Permanent Amusement Rides (PAR).  

California Labor Code 7921 (a) states:

 “Permanent amusement ride” means a mechanical device, aquatic device, or combination of devices, of a permanent nature that carries or conveys passengers along, around, or over a fixed or restricted route or course for the purpose of giving its passengers amusement, pleasure, thrills, or excitement.”

Additionally, under existing law, DOSH can determine administratively what is and what is not an amusement device in the state. 

ACCT Staff are currently meeting with other affected organizations in California to understand their position on this bill. The ACCT Board is considering how to respond to this proposed bill and the changes it could force on the challenge course community. 

If you are a member in California or a vendor who works in the state, you are encouraged to get a copy of SB 955 at http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SB955.  Please read the entire bill carefully.  Send your comments and concerns to ACCT Policy Director Scott Andrews at scott.andrews@acctinfo.org. 

Additionally, you can read the California Code of Regulation Title 8, sections 344.5 – 344.17 and 3195.1-3195.14.  These are the administrative rules which provide the rules for licenses and inspections for devices in the state. 

ACCT will keep members informed as this situation changes.