Florida Senate Committee Passes Amusement Safety Bill Named for Tyre Sampson
ORLANDO, Florida. — A Florida Senate committee will consider a bill on Monday afternoon to make changes to riding safety rules after the death of a tourist on a ride in Orlando.
Tyre Sampson died almost a year ago after falling off the Orlando FreeFall at ICON Park. An investigation into the tragedy found that Sampson’s seat was not properly secured due to the 14-year-old’s size, and alterations were made to the seat sensor, making the ride unsafe, according to the report.
State Senator Geraldine Thompson, D-Orlando, filed SB 902, also known as the Sampson Tire Safety Act. The bill will change security standards:
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Requiring regular commissioning of rides and certification reports for any ride that undergoes major modifications.
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Independent review by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
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Permanent rides first opened in Florida after July 1, 2023 to have a commissioning and certification record.
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Permanent travel to apply for an annual permit
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Annual affidavit confirming that the trip was personally verified
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An electronic copy of a valid operating manual recommended by the manufacturer and a driver’s license display.
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The bill would also allow the Florida Department of Agriculture and Human Services, which regulates attractions, to conduct unannounced inspections for certain purposes.
Yarnell Sampson, Tyre’s father, hopes the bill will benefit his family.
“When you are from another city and visit other places, you are there as a tourist, right?” Sampson said. “And you’re here to have a great time.” So having a great time shouldn’t be your death.”
The bill and its companion in the Florida House of Representatives go through several committee stops before it reaches the full Florida Senate for a final vote.
In the meantime, work will soon begin to dismantle the Orlando FreeFall attraction.
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