Bill Would Expand Riders’ Responsibilities Silverwood Visitors Would Be More Liable For Accidents

A bill by Rep. Hilde Kellogg, R-Post Falls, would increase rider responsibility for injuries and accidents at Silverwood Theme Park in North Idaho.

Russell Westerberg, the lobbyist who presented the bill Wednesday, said increasing rider responsibility and clarifying the owners’ and operators’ responsibilities would increase safety at the park.

The American Society for Testing and Manufacturing, the group responsible for testing amusement park equipment and regulating its maintenance and use, said their standards already outline some rider responsibilities. The legislation would expand those responsibilities beyond the standard.

The expanded rider responsibilities would make it easier for riders to be held liable in court for any injury or accident at the park.

The House Judiciary and Rules committee, including Rep. June Judd, D-St. Maries, voted unanimously to send the bill to the full House for a vote.

, DataTimes