Author: Kevin Wieging
Members of IOA celebrated the positive changes for many inflatable amusement owners throughout the state. On Wednesday August 5, Governor DeWine signed the bill into law as a victory for the industry. IOA supports oversight within the industry if the programs are effective for safety, Affordable in compliance, and enforced. HB433 did not occur overnight, but does seem to check all the boxes. The big WIN was with affordability for business owners operating in Ohio.
HB433 called for a restructuring of fees for amusement ride licensing and inspection after a review of the fee structure by the Ohio Ride Safety committee. Success was achieved through cooperation with the Ohio Department of Agriculture but was not achieved overnight, in fact, many businesses were hoping for change, but unfortunately felt it wasn’t going to occur. The fee structure revisions were proposed in 2025 and successfully passed House approval, but failed to be brought in front of the senate committee.
2025 was the first real steps in obtaining support from Ohio Department of Agriculture. The fee study was prompted in legislation brought up by Representative Roy Klopfenstein and Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur after hearing the challenges the current fee structure discussed with Ohio inflatable industry members of IOA. The fee structure did not provide a fair and equitable fee structure based on the comparison with the inspection process for larger mechanical amusements.
The time it took to complete an inspection or larger mechanical swing rides, carousels, ferris wheels, and roller coasters just didn’t match up with the process and time required for the inspection of inflatable amusements. Inflatable amusement rental business owners also owned many more units to provide a variety of themes or attractions and the cost to purchase inflatable amusements is much less than mechanical rides. Successful owners also owned many more individual units to provide themes for rental that met the demands of their customers. Super hero themes, unicorns, beach party, red white and cool, or purple crush slides. Paying a high fee per unit quickly added up to be a significant and sometimes overwhelming annual expense.
IOA members working together produced the greatest amount of success. It also seemingly was the right time after gaining legislative support and continuing to educate government representative of the challenges the current fee structure created. Testimony was provided to both the Ohio House and Senate committees over a two year period and on multiple occasions. Again efforts failed in 2025 and through the hard work of House representatives to immediately resubmit the bill as a stand alone issue yielded success in 2026.
The changes. Prior cost for annual inspection was $329 per unit. The spreadsheet accurately illustrates the new fee structure of HB433. A multiple unit discount that made more efficient use of inspection time by Ohio Department of Agriculture ride inspectors in travel and the ability to complete multiple units at one time was implemented. Important for government, adjustments were made in reduction and required an increase in cost on units that required longer time of inspection. The final results was a time and accurate cost analysis that was accurate for assessment.
Because there were increases with the largest associated with the completion of Roller coaster inspections increasing from $2200 to $4400, a bridge gap amendment was proposed by the senate to phase in changes. Both reductions and increases would be assessed with 50% of those fees taking effect on October 6, 2026 and the full financial impact taking effect December 1, 2027. The cost reductions realized for inflatables is approximately 50% less than previously assessed at $329 depending on the number of units inspected at each scheduled inspection date with the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
Fair and equitable distribution of inspection fees is an accurate description of the new fee structure. Although most of the successful efforts took place within the last 3 years, IOA initially began working with legislatures as early as 2017. Keys to success seem to be the leadership of ODA, State Legislatures, and concentrated efforts of IOA members working through a collaborative process. IOA initially gained 2 representatives appointed to the Ride Safety committee and those individuals will continue to represent Ohio Inflatable businesses. Apointees include Tammy Chapman of A&S Party rentals and Patrick “Irish” Cauldy of Cool Cat Sites amusement rentals.
Success of efforts are based on member support and we encourage businesses to join IOA and be a meaningful part of the inflatable industry. The association provides a focus on risk management and safety training that demonstrates professionals within the industry. The association is also a collaborative voice and supported by the financial contributions of members. Wednesday bill signing in Columbus Ohio was a significant milestone of association success!