ASSEMBLY CONSUMER AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3433

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JANUARY 27, 2025

      The Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Assembly Bill No. 3433.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this bill codifies certain safety requirements related to inflatable rides, regulated by the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to the “Carnival-Amusement Rides Safety Act” and regulations at N.J.A.C.5:14A-13.1 et seq.

      Under the bill, an inflatable ride manufacturer is to create a manual on operation, maintenance, and set-up of the inflatable ride, which would include illustrations and detailed instructions in addition to specific tie-down and anchorage requirements.  A manufacturer would be required to indicate safe operation and usage requirements for each inflatable ride, including avoidance of imminent danger, rider conduct, and cleanliness.

      The bill requires every inflatable ride to have an identification and data plate attached, glued, or sewn to it.  The identification and data plate are to include: the manufacturer’s name and address; date of manufacture; ride name and serial number; rider capacity, by weight and number; cubic feet per minute required to properly inflate the ride and type of blower to be used; and any other requirements as determined by the Commissioner of Community Affairs.

      The bill requires an operator to perform a thorough check of the inflatable ride and its accessories to ensure that all anchor points, anchor ropes, and anchor stakes or ballasts are undamaged and suitable before use.  The bill additionally requires that:

· Each inflatable ride include one set of ground anchors. 

· The size and number of anchorage points are to be adequate for the structure, and take into account live and wind loads. 

· All tie-down ropes attached to the inflatable ride are to be fastened to a stake or anchorage.

· Anchors are to be protected to prevent any public hazard.

· Stakes or ballast are to be used at every anchorage point and be installed according to manufacturer requirements. 

      In the event of any approaching hazardous weather related condition, the bill requires that an operator evacuate riders and deflate the inflatable ride.  After the weather condition passes, the operator is to dry, re-inflate, and re-inspect the inflatable ride and only re-open it when deemed safe.  The bill prohibits an inflatable ride from being used if the wind velocity exceeds the manufacturer’s maximum safe operating wind speed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to extend the effective date to six months after enactment, rather than be effective immediately as was provided in the bill as introduced.