Rep. Brennan Introduces Bill to Require Real-Time Ride Status Notifications at Ohio Amusement Parks

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today has announced the introduction of the Real-Time Ride Status Notification Act, legislation that would require Ohio’s permanent amusement parks to provide real-time public updates on ride availability.

The bill mandates that major amusement parks like Cedar Point and Kings Island post up-to-date ride status both on-site through digital signage and online via their official apps or websites. Parks would be required to update this information within five minutes of any ride becoming temporarily closed or returning to operation.

“Families spend hundreds of dollars and travel across the state to visit these parks,” said Rep. Brennan. “They deserve accurate, real-time information so they can plan their day and avoid the frustration of walking across the park to find a ride shut down.”

The Ohio Department of Agriculture, which already oversees amusement ride safety inspections under laws like Tyler’s Law, would be tasked with enforcement. Violations could result in civil fines for noncompliance.

Rep. Brennan emphasized that many parks already monitor ride status internally, and this bill simply makes that data publicly visible in a timely and consistent way.

“This is a commonsense consumer protection measure. Just like we expect real-time updates from public transportation or airports, parkgoers should be able to know which rides are operating before getting in line—or before leaving home,” said Rep. Brennan.

The bill is expected to receive a committee assignment in the coming weeks. If passed, it would take effect one year after enactment to allow parks time to implement the required systems.