Tragedies have led to a potential law that tightens inspections of amusement rides. A fall from a climbing wall in Columbia last year killed a woman. Questions were later raised about the safety of the wall, and the equipment that was supposed to let people safely climb it. That was the latest incident. This newest addition to the state law on amusement rides brings dry slides, bungee jumps and rock climbing walls under state scrutiny. The state can make surprise visits to operators of those attractions and shut them down until the inspectors think they are safe. Among the supporters is Senator Delbert Scott (R-Lowry City). Six years ago his nephew and his girlfriend died at the Lake of the Ozarks in a 30-feet fall from an amusement park attraction. Sponsors say discussions of the bill began in earnest after a Jefferson City woman died in the fall from the rock wall last year. The wall was set up outside of a ballpark before a independent, minor league baseball game. The Department of Public Safety will be in charge of the inspections if the governor signs the bill.
