Author: Kevin Wieging
History:
HB433 in Ohio proposes an amendment to the amusement ride fee categories and was sponsored by Ohio house representatives Roy Klopfenstein and Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur. The bill restructures the inspection and permit fee schedule applicable to equipment regulated by the Department of Agriculture’s Division of Amusement Ride Safety. As a result, inflatable amusements could see a decrease in fees while larger thrill rides and mechanicals may see a slight increase.
Watch approval by Ohio Senate of HB 433 to revise inflatable inspection fee structure.
IOA first started government advocacy efforts in Ohio back in 2017 with support from then State Representative Cupp. This was important as the inflatable industry finally was granted representation on the Ride Safety committee and in 2024 persistent efforts for a fee study were finally completed with current recommendations. The Bill is supported by Ohio Department of Agriculture and a result of an extensive review of fees recommending the process be based on actual time typically required for different types of Amusements in Ohio. IOA thanks David Miran of ODA for his leadership and Chief Inspector Ron Dean.
Failure & Progress
2025 was a disappointing year as the fee revisions proposal was introduced in the Ohio Budget Bill and was approved by the Ohio House but was removed and failed to be presented to the Senate for approval. IOA thanks Representative Roy Klopfenstein for his support in quickly reintroducing the legislation as HB433 along with Bill Cosponsor Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur.
HB433 Successfully passed through the Ohio House of Representatives 87-4 back in November. Most recently, under the leadership of Senator Tim Schaffer of the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources committee for committee approved 7-0 by then full Senate approval 31-0.
HB433 has been forwarded to the Governor for his signature and was amended with a bridge gap provision to phase in changes to include 50% of any fee decrease or increases 90 days after receiving Governor’s signature and then in Full December 1, 2027. When fully implemented, IOA estimates many small inflatable rental companies will save between $3000 – $5000 annually and companies that maintain a large inflatable as much as $12,000 – 15,000.
If companies also provide mechanical amusement rentals, an increase to inspection fees is possible based on the restructuring of fees, however, the increase or decrease remains fair based on time the department has estimated through their fee review study. Because large roller coaster thrill rides (as an example) required multiple staff for inspection and often multiple days as opposed to or comparison to inflatable amusements, establishing that difference in total fees assessed for compliance was understandable.
Support Needed for Industry Representation
IOA continues to encourage members to support the changes and support small businesses providing inflatable amusement rentals and further get involved. HB433 is seen as fair and essentially a correction of excess fees that have previously been charged and failed to be reviewed. The successful results in getting the changes adopted in 2026 were a direct result of IOA member testimony provided to educate the legislature on how the current fee structure was unfair to them. Education on how an inflatable rental and the number within a typical business inventory differs from that of a mechanical carousel or ferris wheel placed on a festival midway.
The core principle for HB433 was that inspection time should reflect actual inspection time for the different types of amusements and was based on thorough review. I thank several members that quickly organized to provide proponent testimony several times at a moment’s notice, and even modifying flights and personal schedules when out of town to return unexpectedly. Ohio Fair Managers Association and Greater Ohio Showmen’s Association (GOSA) were opposed to changes and demonstrate that communication as an association is vitally important.
IOA Supports Ohio Amusement Ride Safety Program
IOA supports effective ride safety regulations to maintain the safety of patrons and oversight to ensure safe operations. Ohio changes allowed the inflatable industry to have representation and after review, meaningful effort was provided to review the current fee structure. Successful programs must maintain funding and the revisions provided a revenue neutral change. Safety and compliance remain the effective focus of the program based on affordability, effectiveness, and enforcement.
Ohio Advisory Council on Amusement Ride Safety members representing the inflatable industry include Mr. Patrick “Irish” Caudy of Cool Cat Sites and Mrs. Tammy Chapman of A&S Party Rentals. See Senate Approval video for recognition to Proponent testimony recognition from additional Ohio inflatable industry businesses or refer to youtube channel for full legislative efforts related to Ohio HB433.
Ohio Businesses Encouraged to Get Involved
“Persistence overcomes Resistance”. Legislative process is long and requires a lot of time to be successful. Our success in Ohio required many trips to Columbus and meetings with members of both the Ohio House and Senate to provide education on HB433. Membership supports association efforts to represent your business. Because of the efforts of IOA members, all Ohio Inflatable Amusement businesses will benefit in savings well over $1000. Become a Member of IOA to maintain support for only $299/ annual membership.