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Proponents tell Ohio Senate panel time‑based inspection fees would make ride inspections fairer
Summary
Small amusement‑ride operators told the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that House Bill 433 would align inspection fees with actual inspection time, easing burdens on family‑run inflatable rental companies while preserving safety; proponents cited a Department of Agriculture time study and industry advisory support.
Proponents of House Bill 433 told the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee that the state should tie amusement‑ride inspection fees to actual inspection time to end a decades‑long imbalance that saddles small inflatable operators with disproportionately high costs.
"It takes approximately 20 minutes for a state inspector to inspect" a backyard inflatable, Tammy Chapman said, adding that current fees can be "$329" for an inflatable while a large mechanical ride can cost "$1,425." Chapman, introduced to the committee as representing Annis Party Rental, said a Department of Agriculture time study recommends transitioning to a time‑based fee model and that the change would not reduce safety standards.
Other small operators gave similar examples. Nat Floyd of Bounce Up Ohio said he paid "$3,290" two years ago to have 10 bounce houses inspected, and that HB433 would correct what he described as an unfair subsidy by small operators of larger parks and mechanical rides. "By establishing an average cost per hour for inspections," Floyd said, the proposed structure would be revenue neutral for the state while aligning fees with inspection complexity and duration.
Industry witnesses described a months‑long subcommittee and advisory‑council process that produced the recommended fee schedule. Kevin, identified for the committee as representing the Inflatable Operator Association, said a subcommittee of subject‑matter experts developed the proposal and submitted materials to the committee for review. Steve Kallmeyer of Super Games described a multi‑year industry effort that followed earlier legislative changes and said inflatable operators historically provided a large share of ride‑safety revenue without proportional representation.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about what inspectors look for on inflatables. Chapman said inspections focus on the integrity of the inflatable and structural seams and that inspectors will flag holes or other defects that could create hazards.
No formal votes were taken during the hearing. Chair Schafer closed proponent testimony and noted that the record will include written testimony from additional proponents; the committee recorded the session as House Bill 433’s second hearing.
