H1043 Summary

• Establishes "Sanders' Law" to regulate zip lines, aerial adventure parks, canopy tours, and challenge courses through new Article 24 of Chapter 95 of the General Statutes, effective December 1, 2017.

• Requires device owners to obtain annual certificates of operation from the Department of Labor's Elevator and Amusement Device Bureau, including third-party qualified inspector approval and $1,000,000 minimum liability insurance coverage.

• Mandates compliance with one of four national safety standards (ACCT, PRCA, ERCA, or ASTM), professional engineer certification for design and installation, daily pre-opening inspections, employee training, and emergency evacuation plans.

• Requires owners to report serious injuries or fatalities to the Commissioner within 24 hours, maintain accident records for public access, and preserve accident scenes pending investigation.

• Establishes civil penalties up to $1,250-$5,000 per day for violations, criminal penalties including Class 2 misdemeanor charges and Class E felony charges if violations cause serious injury or death.