Section 3-301 – “Board” Defined
In this subtitle, “Board” means the State Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board.
Section 3-302 – Duty of Commissioner
In addition to any duties set forth elsewhere, the Commissioner shall adopt safety regulations for the maintenance and operation of amusement attractions.
Section 3-303 – Board Established
There is a State Amusement Ride Safety Advisory Board in the Department.
Section 3-304 – Membership
(a) (1) The Board consists of 9 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. (2) Of the 9 members of the Board: (i) 1 shall be a mechanical engineer; (ii) 1 shall represent owners of carnivals; (iii) 1 shall represent the State Fair and the county fairs; (iv) 1 shall represent amusement ride rental operators; (v) 2 […]
Section 3-305 – Chairman
The Governor shall designate a chairman from among the consumer members of the Board.
Section 3-306 – Meetings; Compensation
(a) The Board shall set the times and places of its hearings and meetings. (b) Each member of the Board is entitled to: (1) compensation in accordance with the State budget; and (2) reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.
Section 3-307 – Consultation on Regulations
The Board shall advise and consult with the Commissioner on reasonable regulations to prevent conditions that are detrimental to the public in their use of amusement attractions.
Section 3-308 – Recommendations on Regulations
(a) The Board shall recommend to the Commissioner any regulation that it finds necessary for the protection and safety of the public. (b) The Commissioner may make recommendations to the Board on regulations.
Section 3-309 – Bases for Recommendation of Board
(a) The Board shall base its recommendations for regulations on information that: (1) the Commissioner develops or otherwise has available; or (2) an interested person submits to the Board at a public hearing under this section. (b) (1) The Board shall hold the public hearings needed to carry out its responsibilities under this subtitle. (2) At least 15 days before a […]
Section 3-310 – Report to Commissioner
The Board shall submit to the Commissioner, with each recommendation for a regulation, a report that: (1) explains the need for the regulation; and (2) summarizes the information available to the Board, including: (i) testimony that was presented at any public hearing; and (ii) technical information.
Section 3-311 – Action by Commissioner
If, after receiving a recommendation from the Board for a regulation, the Commissioner decides to adopt the regulation, the Commissioner shall publish notice of the proposed adoption in the Maryland Register.
Section 3-312 – Delayed Effective Date
The Commissioner may delay the effective date of a regulation for not more than 90 days after publication of the notice of adoption, if the Commissioner finds that the delay is needed to ensure that each manufacturer, operator, or amusement owner of an amusement attraction affected by the regulation knows about and has an opportunity […]
Section 3-313 – Copies of Regulations
(a) The Commissioner shall: (1) compile a set of current regulations adopted under this subtitle; (2) keep a set of the regulations in the Office of the Commissioner; and (3) make a copy of the regulations for anyone who asks for one. (b) The Commissioner may set a fee to cover the cost of making and mailing a copy of […]
Section 3-314 – Variances
(a) An amusement owner affected by a regulation adopted under this subtitle may apply in writing to the Commissioner for a variance from the regulation. (b) The Commissioner may grant a variance from a regulation adopted under this subtitle if: (1) the variance is necessary to prevent undue hardship; or (2) an existing condition makes compliance with the regulation […]
Section 3-315 – Termination of Sections
Subject to the evaluation and reestablishment provisions of the Maryland Program Evaluation Act, §§ 3–301 and 3–303 through 3–311 of this subtitle shall terminate on July 1, 2024.