Credit: Inside the MagicA new bill was unanimously passed by the Florida Legislature, introducing strict new security measures at major amusement parks.
It’s no secret that Florida has turned into a political battlefield with the year-long battle between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and The Walt Disney Company, with both parties filing lawsuits against the other and tensions growing. However, that is not the only legal highlight in Florida, as the Florida Legislature unanimously passed a new bill to tighten security measures at amusement parks across the state.
Over a year after the tragic incident in which 14-year-old Tyre Sampson plummeted to his death from the Orlando FreeFall drop tower in ICON Park, the Florida Legislature unanimously passed the “Tyre Sampson Act.” Bill SB 902 — authored by Senator Geraldine Thompson — is aimed at implementing stricter safety regulations for amusement park rides to ensure the safety of all Guests.
Per Spectrum News 9, “The bill requires that new permanent amusement rides have a ride commissioning and certification report on file with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.”
The SB 902 bill — or “Tyre Sampson Act” — reportedly requires signs to be “prominently displayed” at the entrance of each ride to inform Guests of riding restrictions such as maximum and minimum height and weight — a critical point in Sampson’s incident. The bill also revises the circumstances where ride owners must report an incident, which could later result in the ride being shut down by the State.
The “Tyre Sampson Act” is reportedly on its way to Ron DeSantis’ office. Considering the ongoing clash between the Florida governor and Walt Disney World Resort, DeSantis will undoubtedly be quick to approve the law, tightening regulations for all theme parks and amusement parks.
Additionally, bill SB 904 would make records surrounding active amusement ride investigations no longer accessible to the public if signed. Both bills would go into effect on July 1 once signed into law.
More on Tyre Sampson’s incident at ICON Park
14-year-old Tyre Sampson tragically fell to his death on Orlando Freefall at Orlando’s ICON Park. The horrifying accident occurred on March 24, 2022, shocking millions worldwide and sparking severe actions, including the dismantling of Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida, and the closure of rides manufactured by the same company at Dollywood, Dolly Parton’s amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Sampson’s family filed a lawsuit against SlingShot Group, the owner of the ride, as well as ICON Park and other manufacturers and installers responsible for building the ride, which was recently settled.
Tyre Sampson’s tragedy was not the only incident that put ICON Park in hot water, as the amusement park faced severe backlash after announcing a gun-based attraction that had to be stopped and reassessed.
Would these regulations be enough to ensure the safety of Guests? Let Inside the Magic know what you think in the comments below!