Committee hears proposal to reestablish ropeway safety board after lift incidents; members divided on need and liability language

Senate Bill 556, a proposal to reestablish a Board of Ropeway Safety to oversee passenger ropeways such as ski lifts and trams, drew lengthy testimony and a split committee vote. Supporters said the board would provide consistent inspection and a public oversight mechanism that is missing since the board was dissolved in 1997. Opponents raised technical concerns about liability language and questions remained about jurisdiction and insurance oversight.

Sponsor Willis Curti told the committee he introduced the bill after a serious lift fall two years earlier involving his constituent and a fatality at Red Lodge. "Our obligation is to provide health, safety and welfare to our citizens," Curti said. He described the proposed board as seven members including an attorney public member, a U.S. Forest Service or federal land representative, a Montana licensed professional engineer, a first responder or ski patrol representative and three ski area owners or operators.

Curti…