SENATE BILL REPORT

                           SSB 5145

               AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 13, 1993

Brief Description:  Regulating bungee jumping.

SPONSORS: Senate Committee on Labor & Commerce (originally sponsored by Senator Winsley)

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LABOR & COMMERCE

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5145 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Moore, Chairman; Amondson, Barr, Fraser, McAuliffe, Newhouse, Pelz, Prince, and Vognild.

Staff:  Traci Ratzliff (786‑7452)

Hearing Dates: February 9, 1993; February 26, 1993

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR

BACKGROUND:

The operation of bungee jumping devices are covered, in part, by existing statutes related to the inspection, permitting and insurance coverage requirements for "amusement rides."

Under current law, bungee jumping devices operated at carnivals, fairs or amusement parks are required to be inspected and permitted before beginning operation.  Only bungee jumping devices that utilize a mechanical crane are subject to current inspection and permitting requirements.

Bungee jumping devices operated on bridges, piers or other locations not specifically mentioned in statute are not required to be inspected or permitted.  Bungee jumping devices that do not utilize a mechanical crane are also not covered under current law.

Bungee jumping devices that have major parts such as the crane, man lift, bungee cord, or landing device replaced are not required to be inspected after replacement of such parts.

Bungee jumping operators subject to inspection and permitting requirements are currently charged a fee of $10 for each operating permit.

SUMMARY:

All bungee jumping devices operated in this state are subject to the statutes related to the inspection, permitting and insurance coverage requirements for "amusement rides."

All major parts of the bungee jumping device, including the crane, person lift, bungee cords and landing device must be inspected prior to beginning operation and on an annual basis thereafter.

Any major part of the bungee jumping device, including but not limited to the crane, person lift, bungee cords and landing device, that is replaced must be inspected and permitted.

If the bungee jumping device is relocated, or if a new owner purchases the bungee jumping device, reinspection and permitting is required.

The Department of Labor and Industries may charge a fee of up to $100 for each permit issued to a bungee jumping operator.  Fees collected are deposited into the general fund.  Funds may be appropriated to the department to cover the costs of permitting and inspecting bungee jumping devices.

Permission must be granted by public or private owners of bridges, land or water before bungee jumping is allowed from the bridge or into the land or water.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Numerous states have enacted inspection and permitting requirements for bungee jumping as a result of a number of accidents that have occurred.  Establishing inspection and permitting requirements for bungee jumping operations will provide greater protection for those who choose to participate in this new form of entertainment.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Senator Winsley, prime sponsor (pro); Casey Dale, Chairman, North American Bungee Jumping Association (pro); Joe Brewer, Department of Labor and Industries (neutral)

HOUSE AMENDMENT(S):

Technical changes are made.